dial. [Imitative of the sound.] intr. To cackle as geese; to talk rapidly, to chatter. Hence Cank sb., Canking vbl. sb.
1741. Shenstone, Lett., 23 Sept., Wks. 1777, III. 36. The canking of a goose.
1773. Graves, Spir. Quix., IV. iii. (D.). The canking of some Spanish geese … threw poor Jerry into the utmost consternation.
1869. B. Brierley, Red Wind. Hall, xiv. in Lanc. Gloss., s.v., Aw’ll just have a bit of a cank wi’ thee.
1879. Miss Jackson, Shropsh. Word-bk., Cank, to cackle as geese; to talk rapidly, to gabble.
