Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CLOCH, v.2 An unusual variant of Clock, v., q.v. to sit, brood. Also .fig. [klɔx]Ayr. 1833 Galt The Joke ii. in Fraser's Mag. (Sept.):
Dinna be cloching on addled eggs: what has tou to do with a lodger?
Hence clocher, a brood-hen. Used fig. in quot.Slk. 1829 Hogg Shepherd's Calendar II. 13:
The Snaw-fleck sits busy in the neuk, as sleek as a kinnen [rabbit], and the auld clocher fornent her admiring and misca'ing her a' the time.
