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.
Quotation dates: 1806-1900
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URISK, n. Also ourisk, oorishk; ¶wrisk (e.Lth. 1892 J. Lumsden Sheep-Head 181). In the Highlands of Scot., a supernatural being supposed to haunt lonely places as mountain streams and waterfalls (Sc. 1810 Scott L. of Lake iii. xxvi. note, 1920 Trans. Gael. Soc. Inv. XXX. 58). Liter. [′urɪsk]Sc. 1806 P. Graham Scenery Per. 19:
The Urisks were a sort of lubberly supernaturals, who' like the Brownies of England, could be gained over by kind attention, to perform the drudgery of the farm.Sc. 1830 Scott Demonology iii.:
The ourisk of the Celts was a creature by no means peculiarly malevolent, or formidably powerful; but rather a melancholy spirit, which dwelt in wildernesses far removed from men.Per. 1853 C. Rogers Week at Bridge of Allan 330:
The Urisks, a species of beings of which the existence was long credited in the upland and secluded districts of Scotland.Sc. 1900 J. G. Campbell Superstitions 194:
There were male and female Urisks, and the race was said to be the offspring of unions between mortals and fairies, that is, of the leannan sìth.
