Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BYKE, v.2 To weep, whine, sob. Cf. Bick, v.2 [bəik]w., s.Sc. 1887 Jam.6, s.v. bick:
Byke is applied to the long drawn sobs that come after the crying has ended. Hence the saying, “I'd rather see a bairn bickin than bykin.”Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 411:
Which makes me lie, and sab, and byke, For Robbin Bell and Robbin Bee.Wgt. 1929 W. McConchie in Gall. News (8 Feb.):
The word “byke” means to sob or whine, and is applied to roaring sounds from the crying of a child to the bellowing of cattle.
