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.
ROOK, n.2 [ruk]
1. A quarrel, uproar, to-do (Ags. 1968). Phrs.: to kick up or raise a rook, to cause a disturbance (Lth. 1808 Jam.), to redd (up) the rook, to settle a dispute.Fif. 1827 W. Tennant Papistry 155:
This rumpus and this rook.Ags. 1853 W. Blair Aberbrothock 56:
Kickin' up mony a rook.Per. 1888 R. Ford Glentoddy 60:
“Then bide,” quo' the minister, reddin' the rook.Ags. 1901 W. J. Milne Reminiscences 73:
There'll be bonnets on the green; aye, an' tufts o' hair in them afore this rook amon' the ministers is settled.Ags. 1912 A. Reid Forfar Worthies 42:
Gin ye want a rook, says I, tak' that.Mry. 1949 Northern Scot (30 April):
There's as muckle wark till Ah redd up the rook.
2. A severe scolding (Ags. 1968).Ags. 1947 Forfar Dispatch (27 March):
Efter the rook she got she'd lauch pretty tae ken I cudna screw on corks mysel.
3. A noisy company, a set of boisterous companions (wm.Sc. 1880 Jam.; Ags. 1968). Dim. rookie, a noisy person (Mry. 1968).
[Orig. somewhat doubtful. Phs. an extended usage of Rouk, smoke, q.v.]
