A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Pech, Peach, Peich, Peigh, v. [Late north. ME. pech (York Plays), appar. onomatopoeic. Also in the mod. Sc. north. Ir. and north. Eng. dialects, also north. Eng. dial. peff.] intr. To breathe hard, as from exertion; to puff or pant. —1538–9 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 203.
James Dounguell tuk to preif that Joke Mynto peichit in his faice and Jok Michelhill raif his clathis 1572 Sat. P. xxxiii. 269, 1591 Crim. Trials I. ii. 251 (see Pant v.). 1595 Duncan App. Etym.
Anhelo, to peigh or pant a 1598 Rollock On the Passion (1616) xx. 188.
He will tye the burthen of them on their owne backes whilest they grone and peach
