Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

RISK, v.², n.¹

I. v. 1. To cut with a sickle or tear up grass of the coarse kind found growing beside a wall, on the boundary of a field or between rocks (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1968). Vbl.n. riskins, the grass so cut (Ib.).Sh. 1888 B. R. Anderson Broken Lights 80:
When Betty Bunt 'at bedd in Virse Wis riskin reeds an' gorsty-girse.Sh. 1900 Shetland News (18 Aug.):
Tak' dy huik an' geng doon i' ane o' da stanks an' risk aff a grain fir dis night.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
To risk a gordste . . . to risk de strodeks.

2. To stab, rip, esp. with a hooked or barbed instrument (Sh. 1968).Sh. 1900 Shetland News (16 June):
Dy [huggie-]staff! Risk da staff intil him frae below.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
I risked me to da ben.

II. n. A tug or jerk to pull up a handful of coarse grass (Sh. 1968).Sh. 1899 Shetland News (24 June):
He gae twa or three risks ta set in da huik.