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.
RUNK, v.1, n.2 Also ronk (Jak.). [rʌŋk]
I. v. To cease, leave off, stop short (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.), esp. of rain; hence of weather, to clear up, become drier (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 188, 1866 Edm. Gl., Sh. 1968).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
He is ronkin op.
II. n. A clearing-up, a lull after a storm (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), 1910 Old-Lore Misc. III. i. 41, Sh. 1968).
[Appar. an altered form of Sh. Norn lunk, with sim. meanings, ? ad. Norw. dial. lunka, to become milder, of weather. See also Lunk, adj.1, v.1]
