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.
ROOSK, n., v. Also rusk (Jak.). [rusk]
I. n. A luxuriant growth of hair, a shaggy head (Sh. 1904 E.D.D.); sim. of a thick growth of feathers, or corn. Hence rooskie, unkempt, tousled, shaggy (Id., Sh. 1968).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
He has a great rusk o' hair upon his head; a rusk o' feathers, a rusk o' corn.
II. v. To frizz up, of the hair (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.), esp. in ppl.adj. rooskit, ruskit, of the hair: frizzed (Id.); with tousled or bristling hair (Jak. Sh. 1968).
[Norw. dial. ruskutt, disorderly, esp. in dress, Icel. ruska, to disorder, make untidy, Faer. ruska, to tear, tug, O.N. ryskja, id.]
