Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
LENCH, v., n. Also lensh; lainch, lainsh (Sc. 1818 Sawers). Sc. forms of Eng. launch (Sc. c.1775 Glenbervie MS. 225). See E, 4. [lenʃ]
1. As in Eng., lit. and fig. (Ork., n.Sc., Ags. 1960).Abd. 1865 G. MacDonald Alec Forbes xxxi.:
I wonner what's come o' Annie, Curly? It wad be a shame to lainch the boat wantin' her.em.Sc. 1897 H. Hendry Poems 95:
Men never built the Tower o' Babel: Nor lenched an Ark.Ork. 1931 J. Leask Peculiar People 130:
Da man-o'-war dreu straes whit waas ap an' lenched a boat an' efter dem.Bnff. 1954 Banffshire Jnl. (29 June):
She wid lench forth in a harangue.
2. To take long, quick strides, to spring, bound (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 227). Obs. in Eng.w.Sc. 1880 Jam.:
He lenched owre the burn like a grew.
3. To throw, fling, shovel out quickly. Obs. in Eng. exc. dial.Sh. 1894 Williamson MSS. (28 April):
Dey're lenshin out da paets.
