The word "winnock" is a Scottish term that refers to a window recess or a small alcove. Its spelling may seem confusing, given the uncommon arrangement of letters. However, using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) system, we can see that the first syllable is pronounced as /wɪn/, which is similar to the word "win". The second syllable, "nock", is pronounced as /nɒk/, which rhymes with "rock". Thus, the spelling of "winnock" accurately represents its pronunciation in Scots.
The word "winnock" is derived from the Old English word "winnuc", which referred to a window or an opening. This Old English term eventually evolved into Middle English as "winnoche" and "winnok". The meaning of "winnock" expanded to denote a small or narrow window, especially a window with a seat or ledge where one could sit. In certain dialects, "winnock" is still used today to describe a window or a small recessed area near a window.