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.
TOOSK, n., v. Also tusk. Dim. tooskie. [tusk]
I. n. A tuft of grass or hair, a mat or tangled mass, esp. of hair (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), tusk, Sh. 1972). Hence tooskie, tuski, n., id. (Jak.) a nickname for a shaggy-headed person (Jak., 1914 Angus Gl.); adj., matted, tangled (Angus, Sh. 1972).Sh. 1886 J. Burgess Sketches 31:
“Side-lichts,” that was, a “tooskie” on each cheek below his ear.Sh. 1952 J. Hunter Taen wi da Trow 249:
While fae his ruggit, shaggy cott Foo mony a tattit toosk did flee!
II. v. To rumple, tousle hair, etc. (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1972). Ppl.adj. tooskit, tusket, of the hair: in tufts, unkempt, dishevelled (Id.).Sh. 1891 J. Burgess Rasmie's Büddie 22:
Mi peerie cotts an tooskit hair Wi weet an gutter feltit.Sh. 1897 Shetland News (14 Aug.):
Shü pat right her hair, für hit wis sairly tooskit.
