dawk

verb

1. (UK, dialectal, transitive)To drive a sharp instrument into; incise with a jerk; puncture.
2. (transitive)To cut or mark with an incision; gash.
3. (UK, dialectal, transitive)To dig up weeds.

noun

1. A hollow or crack in timber.

   “THE DAWK was a slight concavity or depression in the body of the cast type , made by a corresponding convexity in the mould”

2. A person who advocates neither an aggressive nor a conciliatory political attitude (especially in foreign policy).

   “In the analysis that follows, I shall explore the foreign policy views of three distinct factions within the Chinese elite: “hawks, doves, and dawks.” In my view, the “dawks,” “centrists,” or more precisely, Maoists, have won.”

3. (alt-of, alternative)Alternative form of dak (“Indian post system”).

   “During the mutiny of 1857–58, when several young surgeons had arrived in India, whose services were urgently needed at the front, it is said that the Head of the Department to which they had reported themselves, directed them immediately to 'lay a dawk.' One of them turned back from the door, saying: 'Would you explain, Sir; for you might just as well tell me to lay an egg!'”

4. (alt-of, archaic)Archaic form of dhak (“the tree Butea monosperma”).