Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

BUNK, n. and v. Sc. usages. [bʌŋk]

1. n.

(1) A chest which serves for a seat (Abd.¹⁹, Ags.², Slg.¹³, Edb.¹ 1937). Cf. Bink, n.¹, 2.Abd.² 1938:
Come awa ower here, Jock, and sit ye doon aside me on auld Granny's bunk.

(2) The lodging of a St Andrews student (Fif.¹, Fif.² 1937).Fif. 1891 R. F. Murray Scarlet Gown 58:
Though rents be heavy, and bunks be few And most of them troubled with rat or mouse, Never take rooms in a corner house.Fif. 1936 St Andrews Cit. (5 Sept.) 12/4:
QUIET bunk required by student.

Hence bunkwife, keeper of a “bunk,” landlady.Fif. 1937 St Andrews Cit. (27 Feb.) 7/3:
Could they [the common dines (see Dine) of St Andrews Univ.] pay, we would be more than pleased; that they do not can, to a great degree, be blamed on those bunkwives who refuse students any concession for them.

2. v. To occupy a “bunk,” or lodging (Bnff.², Fif.¹, Fif.² 1937).Fif. 1936 After Many Days (Nov.) 10:
He and I “bunked” together for three years.