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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

PICK, n.⁴, v.⁴ Also pikk (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)). Sc. forms and usages of pique. Cf. Pike, n., 8. [pɪk]

I. n. As in Eng., a feeling of animosity and bitterness, resentment, offence, a grudge. Phr. to hae (tak) a pick at ane, to have (form) a dislike for someone, bear one a grudge, harbour resentment towards one (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928); Rxb. 1927 E. C. Smith Braid Haaick 17; Uls. 1953 Traynor; n.Sc., Ags., Kcb. 1965).Sc. 1702 R. Wodrow Early Letters (S.H.S.) 256:
I perceive it's matter of principle with them and not of pick.Gall. 1704 Session Bk. Penninghame (1933) I. 134:
Robert Gray, now gone out of the bounds, hath some pick at John Gordons family.Kcb. 1904 Crockett Strong Mac ix.:
I thocht she had a pick at him.Rxb. 1925 E. C. Smith Mang Howes 18:
A heh thochts ti faa back on gin Fortun takes a pick at iz an things gang geite.Abd. 1956 Huntly Express (7 Sept.):
Lewie Cameron wid like to blame me for't. He his a pick at me onywye.Per. 1990 Betsy Whyte Red Rowans and Wild Honey (1991) 208:
' ... Once they police tak' a pick at ye they are on your back morning, noon and night. Ready tae pounce on the least pretext.'

†II. v. To pique, rouse, irritate.Sc. a.1714 Earls Crm. (Fraser 1876) II. 484:
Foulls, pickt with thes outbrawing words, did foolishly convocat a number of his owin people.