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.
KILCH, n., v. Also kilsh (Jam.). [kɪl(t)ʃ]
I. n. An unexpected blow, esp. in the side (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 297), a push, a jog (Dmf. 1825 Jam.), a lift, a push up or down (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).Gall. a.1900 “Mulciber Veritatis” Gallowa' Herds 14:
They're Saunts by the King, wha his Queen fain wad ding, Wi' Law's Kilch ower the stey heugh o' Ruin.
II. v. To push, shove, jerk, ram (Dmf. 1825 Jam.; Dmf., Rxb. 1960); specif. of a sucking calf: to butt upwards (Kcb.1 1900); of a horse: to kick up behind, “especially when tickled on the croup” (Rxb. 1825 Jam.). With up: to make the end of a plank or form rise up by putting one's weight on the other end (Rxb. 1825 Jam., 1923 Watson W.-B.).s.Sc. 1897 E. Hamilton Outlaws xii.:
Kilsh it in ony how, we haena time to be ower nacketie.Kcb. 1898 A. J. Armstrong Levellers 85:
The work we hae the noo is the kilchin' o' stane dykes, an' doon thae dykes 'll gang e'en as quick as they rise.
