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.
MURKEN, v., adj. Also morken (Jak.); murten. [′mʌrkən, ′mʌrtən]
I. v. To grow musty or mouldy, applied to grain or hay (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), murken, murten; Ork. 1929 Marw., murten; I.Sc. 1963). Ppl.adj. murken, morken(ed), murtened, mouldy, musty (Jak.; Marw.).
II. adj. Of grain or hay: musty or mouldy (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 150, 1908 Jak. (1928), murken, murten, 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1963). Deriv. murkenie, id. (Sh. 1963).
[Norw. morken, decayed, rotten, O.N. morkna, to become wizened or decayed.]
