Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BOUCH, Bowch, Booch, Boch, Bowhh, n.1 and v. [bʌux, bux, bɔx]
1. n.
(1) “One of a curr-dog's barks” (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 87; Kcb.9 1935, bowch).
(2) Fig. “A bully, quasi one who barks” (Kcb. 1935 (per Kcb.1)).
2. v.
(1) “To bark in a suppressed manner, frequently with berk” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).Kcb. 1901 R. Trotter Gall. Gossip 248:
The bawties bowhh't at the hole.Rxb.(D) 1925 E. C. Smith Mang Howes an Knowes 1:
The road was thrang . . . wui nurrin teikes snackin an yowfin an boochin.
(2) “To cough” (Bnff.2, Edb.1, e.Dmf.2 1935; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Ags.2 1935 gives the form boch.Abd.(D) 1915 H. Beaton Back o' Benachie 66:
Fa wud ken bit he mith begin bouchin' an' spuin' an' sic a spleetrich [mess] afore ye got it cleaned.Ags. 1896 A. Blair Rantin Robin and Marget 149:
She was juist sittin at the cheek o' the fire booch, boochyin straucht forrit.
