Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1869
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DIN-DINNOCK, n.comb. In phr. to play din-dinnock, of the heart: to palpitate, pound, beat strongly.Edb. 1869 Story of Edb. Burns Relics (Duncan 1910) 48:
[Relics of Burns] Gaurs ilka heartie play din-dinnock Wi' kindly throbbin.
[Formally a nonce reduplic. dim. form of Din. connoting sound as well as movement prob. suggested by ding-ding, as of a bell.]