Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†STOOK, n.3 A long wedge used to split rock in sinking a coal-shaft (see quot.). Combs. stook and coil, stook and feathers.Sc. 1812 R. Bald Coal-Trade Scot. 12:
The mode then practised in sinking through hard strata, was by a set of tools termed stook and coil, or stook and feathers. The manner of application was as follows: In the first place, a bore-hole of from two to three inches diameter, was put down several feet, by means of a steel auger; two long slips of iron named the feathers, were placed down each side of the hole, and betwixt these a long tapering wedge, termed the stook, was inserted; this wedge was driven down with ponderous hammers, till the rock was wrenched asunder.
