Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1900-1935
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BOCHLE, Byochle, n. and v. [bɔxl Fif., Kcb.; bjɔxl Bnff.]
1. n. “An awkward-footed female” (Fif.1 1935; Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 77). Also “a male” (Curriehill).Bnff.2 1935:
He's a little byochle o' a mannie, bit afa swippert.Kcb.4 c.1900:
A bochle is a person of either sex, short of the legs, flat-soled, and above all unwieldy round the buttocks, which causes an impediment in walking.
2. v. To walk or work clumsily.Bnff.2 1935:
Ilky mornin' ye see the bailie gaan byochlin throw the closs on the chap o' five.Kcb.4 c.1900:
What are ye bochlin' aboot?
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"Bochle n., v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 6 Apr 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/bochle>
