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.
MITCH, n.1 The crutch or rest in which the top of the mast lies when lowered (Cai.1 1903 E.D.D.; Fif. 1950–63).
[Prob. a curtailed form of Eng. mitch-board, id., or a survival of E.M.E. †miche, a forked stick used as a prop. The O.Sc. form is myk, a wedge for sighting a cannon, 1496, Mid.Du. mic, Ger. micke, id., a forked prop. The palatalisation of c is difficult to account for unless there was an O.E. *mic.]
