Byke

It's a strang tow 'at wad haud or bin' Dawvid, whan he considers he bud to gang, an' 'twere intill a deil's byke.

In the Scots tongue. It’s a strong rope that would restrain David when he thinks he should go - even if it is into the devil”s nest.

The word “byke” means a wasp or a hornet’s nest. (This one removed from the garden shed this afternoon.)

The words are from a novel by Revd George MacDonald. A fascinating figure - well worth reading up if you have the time.