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.
BOSSIE, n.2 A metal button used in the game of “buttony” and “buttons” (Abd. 1905 E.D.D. Suppl.; Abd.22 1935).Abd. 1903 Abd. Wkly. Free Press (23 May) (E.D.D. Suppl.):
Bossies were gen. the cast-offs of military or naval uniforms, or livery servants' wear.