Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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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.
BOUMAN, Boo-man, n. [′bumən]
1. “A tenant who takes stock from the landlord and shares with him the increase” (Sc. 1886 R. L. Stevenson Kidnapped xxi. Note).Ib. xii.:
How the poor commons of Appin, the farmers and the crofters and the boumen, were wringing their very plaids to get a second rent.
2. “The man who had charge of the cattle of a large farm” (Cai. 1907 D. B. Nicolson in County of Cai. 66, s.v. boo-man); “a cattle man who has charge of buying and selling” (e.Rs.1 1929). Sc. 1752 Scots Mag. (Sept.) 458:
John MacCol, bouman, having the charge of milk-cows upon a farm or shealing belonging to Dougal Stewart of Appin.
