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.
†PICKET, n., v.
I. n. A glancing blow or buffet, a quick sharp stroke or knock (Rxb. 1825 Jam.); in pl., a penalty or forfeit in a game of tennis in which the penalised player holds his hand against a wall while the other players strike it with the tennis-ball (s.Sc. 1825 Jam.).
II. v. To project a marble or similar hard object against the knuckles of the loser in a game as a form of penalty or forfeit (Rxb. 1825 Jam.). Cf. Pap, n.3, 1.
[Deriv. of Pick, v.2]
