Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
WHILK, v.2 Also wheilk, wheylk; hwilk, hwelk, kwilk, kwelk (Jak.). [ʍɪlk]
1. tr. To grasp hold of, pull, pluck, whisk (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1974). Used jocularly in quot.Sh. 1949 J. Gray Lowrie 87:
Da Surgin juist whilkit dem awa, an' day haeled up pritty.
2. intr. To move smartly; to jump, gambol (Sh. 1809 Jak. (1928)). Hence ppl.adj. whilking, wheilkin, lively, playful, as a kitten (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XI. 228), vbl.n. wheylkin, “lively, coy motions” (Sh. 1825 Jam., 1866 Edm. Gl.).s.Sc. 1839 Wilson's Tales of the Borders V. 220:
Ye hae forgotten the bit whilking lassie, nae doubt, that drave oot yer worthy faither's stirks.
