Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
MICKEN, n. Also michen, moiken. Common spignel, Meum athamanticum (Sc. 1825 Jam.; Per. 1883 Sc. Naturalist 71; Abd., Ags., Slg. 1886 B. & H. 334; Abd., Ags. 1955). [′mɪkən].Per. 1795 Stat. Acc.1 IX. 238:
The athamanta meum, (spignel), here called moiken or muilcionn, grows in the higher parts of the barony of Laighwood, and in the forest of Clunie. The Highlanders chew the root of it like liquorice or tobacco.Ags. 1848 W. Gardiner Flora Frf. 83:
Spignel, Mew, or Bald-Money. . . . called by the Highlanders “micken”, and highly esteemed as a carminative, as well for its aromatic taste and smell.Ags. 1873 D. M. Ogilvy Poems 86:
Sweet michen and buttercups.
