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.
Pin(s)ch(e, n. [e.m.E. pynche (Caxton), pinch act of pinching, stress, critical juncture, a pinch (of something), also (northern) a crowbar, f. Pinsch(e v.] a. A crisis or critical situation; a time of stress or need. b. A crow-bar; a pinch-bar. —a1578 Pitsc. II. 31/23.
Bot fre tyme they saw thame neir the pinche they returnit and lut thame allone 1644 Aberd. Council Lett. II. 381.
The few quho remane [are] brocht to that pinsche that they have … few clothis to defend tham from the cold —1698 Foulis Acc. Bk. 229.
Inventur of quarrell graith … 2 gavelocks and a pinch [etc.]
