Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
OUTRUG, n. Also ootrug, oot-rugg, utrog (Jak.); ootrook (Cai.). The backward withdrawal of a wave after it has broken on the shore (Cai. 1907 County of Cai. (Horne) 80; Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928); Mry., Fif. 1911; Sh., Ags. 1964). [′utrʌg]Ork. 1999 Orcadian 4 Nov 19:
In
North Ronaldsay oot-rugg means an undercurrent - or tide even, which is
caused by the rebound of beach waves. A sheep, or a person for that
matter, could be caught in the oot-rugg and dragged out to sea.
