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.
RICKETY, adj. In Ork. comb.: rickety buckie, a snail-shell (Ork. 1968). See quot. and Buckie.Ork. 1931 J. Leask Peculiar People 72:
We are all more or less familiar with the species [of snail] that carry their houses on their backs, familiarly known in Orkney as “snaily buckies” or “rickety buckies”. The latter name was applied to them because they were believed to cure rickets. The snail and his house were dissolved in vinegar or other liquid, and the resulting concoction was given to the patient to drink as a medicine.
