Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†HULDGE, v. To crouch, to hunch oneself up with cold or discomfort (ne.Sc. 1935 Sc. N. & Q. (Feb.) 24). Hence hulgie, -y, adj., having a hump, hump-backed (n.Sc. 1825 Jam.). Combs. hulgy-back, a hump back, a hump-backed person; ppl.adj. hulgie-backed, hunch-backed. [′hʌldʒ]Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore (S.T.S.) 37, 39, 83:
An ugly, hulgie-backed, canker'd wasp, Syne like to die for breath at ilka gasp. . . . Syne lay your hand athwart her hulgy back. . . . An' of a warldly hulgy-back get free, That he design'd his wedded wife to be.
