Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

CAOCHAN, n. Cf. Keechan.

1. “A small stream flowing across moorland and boggy ground with its channel concealed by heather and other moor vegetation” (Cai., Inv. (Badenoch) 1929 (per Cai.⁸); e.Rs.¹ 1935).

2. “A small stream or narrow burn flowing in the open, usually with some force of water and some noise” (Cai., Inv. (Badenoch) 1929 (per Cai.⁸)).

‡3. “Fermented worts. The word is still current in the district, but is being superseded by the word Pook” (Arg.¹ 1929).Arg. c.1850 The Follinash in L. M'Innes Dial. of S. Kintyre (1936) 30:
Dohl a' Voomper had a brewing In Kilmaschenachan Glen And of foreshot strong and caochan too A greedy squeep has taen.