Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
WHAISK, v. Also whesk. To wheeze, to breathe with difficulty, as with a heavy cold, to gasp for breath (Peb. 1825 Jam., Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., Rxb. 1974); to hawk, to try to clear the throat (Peb. 1825 Jam.); to speak huskily or with some affection in the throat (Rxb. 1825 Jam., 1923 Watson W.-B.). Vbl.n., ppl.adj., whaiskin, wheezing, talking huskily (Id.), comb. whaiskin-fit, a bout of wheezing, an attack of asthma; adj. whaisky, husky (Watson).
[A conflation of whaise, Wheeze, and Hask, v. Cf. Whaish.]
