Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
PEEK, n.2 Also peak; dim. peekie. A tiny bead or point of light, a little tongue or jet of flame, freq. in phr. a peek o' light, — fire, etc. (Sc. 1887 Jam.). Gen.Sc.Sc. 1838 Wilson's Tales of the Borders V. 55:
The cannel had just a wee peek o' white lowe i' the middle.Per. 1893 Harp of Per. (Ford) 306:
Richt eerie at nicht Was yon peekie o' licht.Ags. 1903 Dundee Advertiser (22 Dec.):
By the feeble light of the gas jet, which was burning at a “peak”.Bnff. 1926 Banffshire Jnl. (27 July):
And your peekie o' light ye hae borrowed frae me.Abd. 1959 People's Jnl. (5 Dec.) 13:
Naethin' bit a peek o' a lantern tae lich'en the darkness o' a lang mornin'.
