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.
Quotation dates: 1796-1824, 1885, 1951
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RICKET, n., v. Also dims. rickety, rickitie.
I. n. 1. A noisy disturbance, a racket, a row. Phr. to play ricket, to make a din (Ags. 1968).Rnf. 1813 G. MacIndoe Wandering Muse 70:
But patience, gamesters, let the rickets rowe.Wgt. 1885 G. Frasers Poems 228:
Great an' sma', When rickets raise an hatefu' stoor, Rush intae law.
2. Now only in dim. ricketie: an instrument, gen. consisting of a small frame whirled round on wooden ratchets to produce a clattering rattling sound, used formerly by policemen to raise an alarm or call for help, or by children or football supporters, a wooden rattle, a corn-craik (Slg., w.Lth., wm.Sc. 1968). Also in reduplic. form ¶rickety-dicketty.Sc. 1796 Poetry Orig. and Selected III. No. 15. 5:
Now rickities and trumpets come, And a' the streets wi' playocks bum.Lth. 1813 G. Bruce Poems 18:
The rickets here an' there are heard, Sprung by drousie policemen.Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 406:
Rickety-Dickety — A toy made of wood, for children.Gsw. 1951 Bulletin (2 May):
The busloads of fanatics who descend on normally peaceful towns, complete with scarves, rosettes, banners, and “ricketies” all in the sacred name of sport.
3. In dim.: a ratchet brace or drill (Sc. 1886 J. Barrowman Mining Terms 55; Uls. 1880 Patterson Gl.; Fif., wm.Sc. 1968).
II. v. Appar. to fetch with a great noise or clamour, to keep supplying in a gay reckless way. Nonce.Ayr. 1817 D. McKillop Poems 81:
Come ricket ben the ither cog, Till owre the chairs we're tumblin' O.
