Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
METTICK, n. Also mettack, -ock. A soft crab, one that has cast its shell (Abd. c.1890 Gregor MSS., c.1935 Fishery Board Gl.).Abd. 1815 J. Arbuthnot Fishes 30:
They are used as fish bait, but never as food; they make the best bait when in the piller and mettock state.
