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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

WICK, adj., n.4

I. adj. Wicked, naughty. Now liter. Obs. in Eng. exc. dial. Also with extended meaning, quick-witted, smart, fly (Fif. 1974).Edb. 1928 A. D. Mackie In Two Tongues 35:
And the haill life o' man Is jist wick dirrydan.

II. n. A naughty child (Fif. 1967, a wee wick; Abd., em.Sc.., Ayr. 1974).Fif. 1909 J. C. Craig Sangs o' Bairns 210:
Though maybe he'll ca' her a “wick” when she greets.
Ayr. 2000:
You're a wee wick!

[O.Sc. wik, a wicked person, a.1400, Mid.Eng. wikke, wicke, orig. from O.E. wicca, a wizard (fem. wicce, a witch).]

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