Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BENGIE, BENJIE, n.2 and v. [′bɛndʒi]
1. n.
(1) A harvest field game.Fif.7 1933:
In this locality . . . there is also Bengie, an old harvest field game.
(2) Penalty inflicted by harvesters. (See quot.)Fif. 1896 D. S. Meldrum Grey Mantle and Gold Fringe 103:
A field that is cutting is sacred to the shearers, and whoso trespasses must pay the penalty of “bengie” — that is, he . . . may be seized heel and crop, and bumped upon the stubble until he . . . is tender, unless there is a compounding with money.
2. v. To bump a person up and down on the harvest field.Knr. 1912 R.J.D. in Scotsman (23 Jan.):
In Kinross-shire I have heard two words used on the harvest field — “Dousie” and “Benjie.” Two of the workers would seize another — usually of the opposite sex — under the arms and by the feet, and heave him or her up and down, allowing the body to touch the ground, sometimes not over gently.
