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.
BURROCH, n. and v. Cf. Bourach and Beerach. [′bʌrəx]
1. n. “A band put round the hinder legs of a vicious cow, when milking, to prevent her kicking” (Rnf.1 c.1920; Kcb.3 1929); the strap or band from which a Murlin or fisherman's bait-basket is hung (Rs. 1914 T.S.D.C., misprinted burdock).Ayr. 1847 J. Paterson Ballads and Songs of Ayrshire 101:
In the byre she's aye cannie, nor e'er needs a burroch.
2. v. “To fasten a cow's legs to prevent her kicking” (Per. 1898 E.D.D.).
3. Hence (1) burrochit, “restrained” (wm. Sc. 1835–1837 Laird of Logan (1868) App. 489); (2) burrochless, “wild, untractable, without restraint” (Ib.).
[Gael. buarach, cow-fetter (MacBain).]
