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.
PIRK, v., n. Also perk; pierk. [pɪrk, pirk]
I. v. 1. Of hair, fibres, etc.: to stand up stiffly, to bristle, to have a frizzled, pointed appearance (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., pierk, 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1965). Ppl.adj. pi(e)rkit, sharp and rough-looking, sticking up, bristling (Edm., Jak.), pointed (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.); of the features: shrunken, sharp, peaked, aquiline (Id.).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
A pirket-lookin' body, sheep; pirket-faced.
2. Of persons: to dress in a precise and careful way, to “primp” (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1965). Ppl.adj. pierket, over-dressed, “dolled up” (Ib.).Sh. 1964 New Shetlander No. 68. 36:
Da lasses sit an pirk an preen, Dey rid da lips an black da een.
II. n. A sharp point, a thorn, prickle (Cai. 1965, perk). Hence perky, a prod, poke, stab; dim. pirkle, usu. in pl., the spiked nose-band used to prevent cows milking themselves (Ork. 1887 Jam.; Cai. 1939), or to prevent a calf sucking (Cai., Bnff., Bte. 1965).Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 103:
He cruggled in wi' miny a bicker, Wi' miny a tirs an' rug an' perky.Cai. 1934:
Pirk was another word in use in our vernacular. It meant a sharp point, such as a thorn. It was common on the harvest field, where thistles abounded, to hear someone say, “a pirk in my hand”.
