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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.

BLUCHTAN, BLUCHTON, n. A piece of the hollow stem of different plants, used by boys for blowing small objects through.Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 76:
Bluchtans, pieces of the dried stem of the mugwort; they are hollowed tubes; boys blow haw-stones and what not through them; hence the name. [Still in use (Dmf. 1934 per Gall.2).]
Ib. 191:
He never fley'd us frae nor [our] fun, The bluchton and the billet gun.

[Origin obscure, but cf. blugher s.v. Bluff, v.]

3586

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