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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.

YICKIE-YAWKIE, n. Also yeekie yakie. A wooden tool (sometimes made of boxwood), rounded, approx. 10 inches long, and blunted like a wedge, used by shoemakers to polish the soles of shoes (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 500, Dmf. 1825 Jam.; Kcb. 1900). Cf. langstick s.v. Lang, adj., 6.(5).Gall. 1896 A. J. Armstrong Kirkiebrae ii.:
Tam Willison gathered up his knife, ‘yeekie yakie,' lapstone, and rags.

[Onomat., from the sound the tool makes as it is scraped backwards and forwards across the leather.]

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