Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†CLEUCH, adj.
1. Dexterous, light-fingered.n.Sc. 1808 Jam.:
One is said to have cleuch hands, or to be “cleuch of the fingers,” who lifts any thing so cleverly that bystanders do not observe it. This term properly denotes that kind of dexterity which thieves and pickpockets possess.
2. “Niggardly and severe in dealing; inclined to take the advantage” (Ib.).
[Perhaps from an O.E. *clōh, cogn. Ger. klug (cf. Eneuch, O.E. genōh, Ger. genug).]
