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.
BUSS, Bush, Busk, n.2 “Masses of seaweed (tangles), growing on sunken rocks, and exposed at low water” (Uls. 1880 W. H. Patterson Gl. Ant. and Dwn., bushes); a ledge of rock covered with seaweed (Cai. 1907 D. B. Nicolson in County of Cai. 67, buss; Rs. (Avoch) 1914 T.S.D.C. I., bush; Bnff.2 1937); “any small sea rock that is exposed at low tide” (Abd. (Boddam) 1938 (per Abd.16), busk, buss); also in Nhb. dial. (E.D.D.). [bʌs Cai., Ags., m.Sc., but Abd. + bʌsk; bʌʃ Avoch, Uls.]Ags.9 1927:
Stretching across the mouth of Montrose harbour is a line of rocks known as the “busses.”Firth of Forth 1825 Jam.2:
The name given to a small ledge of rocks, projecting into the sea, covered with seaweed; as, the Buss of Newhaven, the Buss of Werdie [Wardie], etc.
