Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†SIRKEN, adj. Also sirkent.
1. Fond of one's creature comforts, inclined to shrink from pain, cold or other unpleasantness, coddling oneself (Sc. 1825, 1880 Jam.). Deriv. sirkenton [ < sirkent ane], a person of this sort (Sc. 1880 Jam.). For the form cf. simpleton, singleton.Ayr. 1834 Galt Liter. Life III. 36:
Johnny was a daidlin sirkent body, who having the rheumaticals, had of course an ettercap temper.
2. Having a dislike of debt, ‘tender of one's credit' (see quot.), punctilious in paying.Cld. 1825 Jam.:
Ye needna be sae sirken to pay just now. Ye're ay very sirken.
