Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
TRACK, n.1, v.1 Sc. usages:
I. n. 1. A trench (Sc. 1952 Builder (20 June) 943; n.Sc., em.Sc.(b), wm., sm.Sc. 1972).
2. In comb. track-iron, in golf: a round-headed club with a concave face formerly in use when a ball lay in a difficult position, as in a cart-track or the like.Edb. 1862 Rambling Remarks (Chambers) 18:
The Niblick, or Track-iron, is of very important service when the ball lies in a narrow cart-rut, horseshoe, or other print in sand, thick and stiff whins, or in any round deep hollow not altogether beyond the player's reach.
II. v. 1. To train or break in a young animal, accustom it to obeying orders, esp. in ploughing (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 195; ne.Sc. 1972). Also transf. of human beings (Id.). Vbl.n. trackin, training (Id.).Bnff. 1907 Bnff. Jnl. (13 Oct. 1953):
He trackit one of the cows and did the ploughing with them.Abd. 1912 J. Stephen Donside Lilts 7:
They ilky year an ox did track To help tae haul the ploo.Bnff. 1930:
We'll need to make a start at the trackin' of the beastie.Abd. 1947:
Trackin a young loon to clerk at the station.Abd. 1955 W. P. Milne Eppie Elrick vi.:
Eppie's ower easy wi' im. The bairn wunts trackin.
2. Only in phr. sae-track-dee-wa, keep your distance (Ork. 1929 Marw.), be off with you. Cf. Eng. slang and U.S. track, to make one's way, pass, and Wey.
