Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
LIKEN, v. Also licken (ne.Sc.). Sc. usage: to associate (a person) with (another person or a thing) by repute, to think of in connection with, e.g. of one as the likely lover, husband or wife of another (ne.Sc., Ags., Fif., Lth., Dmf., 1960). Cf. Even, v., Likely v.; to lay to one's charge (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 105), impute. Followed by wi or to. Obs. in Eng.Ayr. 1822 Galt Sir A. Wylie xxv.:
He's a nice man, and mair in him than he's likened to.Abd. 1871 W. Alexander Johnny Gibb xli.:
Naething nettles Dawvid waur nor to be lickened wi' the wife o, Clinkstyle.Abd. 1882 W. Alexander My Ain Folk 220:
A body mith … licken't [an illegitimate child] to ane o' yon chiels 't was aboot the toon wi' 'er at Briggies.
