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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Uch(e, n. Also: wche, ouch. [e.m.E. ouche (Caxton), owche (1494), earlier nouche (Nouche n.), OF nouche, late L. nusca a buckle, clasp.] A gold or silver setting for precious stones (once, for an icon); a brooch or other ornament with such inset stones. a1400 Leg. S. xxviii 15.
Qwa wil the vertu wyt of stanis … 'Margaret' … Men bryngis … of ful fare land For til enhorne vchis & cronis … & it is lytil and rond … Thar-for … men wil … set it in bruchis & in ryngis 1454–5 Aberd. B. Rec. MS V i 226 (18 March).
A litill vche of gold 1456 Hay II 128/28.
Faire clething … our all grathit with precious jowalis, uchis, and besantis and stately array 1464–5 Reg. Episc. Aberd. II 163.
[On a mitre] Betuix the tua vchis ij litil garnatis beneth the secunde vche ij litil garnatis 1464–5 Reg. Episc. Aberd. II 161.
Vnum wche argenti deauratum in quo continetur ymago sancti Olaui 1488 Treas. Acc. I 81.
Ane vche with a diamant 1488 Treas. Acc. I 81.
Ane vche of gold like a flourethelis of diamantis, and thre bedis of gold 1488 Treas. Acc. I 82.
A chenȝe with ane vche in it 1488 Treas. Acc. I 84.
viij vchis of gold sett with stanis and perle 1549 Reg. Episc. Aberd. II 196.
Ane propir vch of gold veil annamalit of our lord of Pette craftuisly maid 1561 Inverness Rec. I 53.
Ane siluer wche gilt with gold and perlot contenan ane pund wech Urquhart Jewel (1834) 241.
An asteristick ouch wherein were inchased fifteen several diamonds