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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

†WICKER, v.1 To twist thread very tightly so that it becomes knotted or curled (Cld. 1825 Jam.).Sc. 1826 Laird of Wariston in Child Ballads No. 194 B. vi.:
The nurice she knet the knot, And O she knet it sicker! The lady did gie it a twig, Till it began to wicker.

[Freq. form of Wick, v. For the meaning cf. Norw. vikla, to wrap up, to twist, Du. wikkelen, to wrap, envelop, Ger. wickeln, to roll up, twist, wind wool, cogn. with wick, of a candle.]

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