Obs. rare–1.
[Meaning and origin uncertain. The Glossary to first ed., professedly based on Spenser’s authority, explains it as ‘key-hole’; for the word in such a sense no etymology is known, and the reference to clicket is quite erroneous. Some identify the word with Du. klink, Ger. and Da. klinke, Sw. klinka, (also Fr. clinche, clenche) ‘latch of a door.’ Cf. also ‘clink, a small or fine crack.’ Addy, Sheffield Gloss., 1888.]
1579. Spenser, Sheph. Cal., May, 251. Tho creeping close behind the Wickets clincke, Preuelie, he peeped out through a chinck. [E. K. Gloss., Clincke, a keyhole: Whose diminutiue is clicket, vsed of Chaucer for a key.]
