Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
POACH, n.2 Also potch. The armed bullhead or pogge, Agonus cataphractus (Ags. 1966). Cf. sea-poacher, id., s.v. Sea.Fif. 1718 Burgess Ticket Buckhaven 1:
To use the wand for slaying and killing of Fishes, such as Podleys and Potches.Ags. 1904 J. M. Campbell Notes on Bell Rock 12:
Amongst the numerous aliases by which the “Poach” is known are the following — Bullhead, Hardhead, Cobbler, Shoemaker, Gunflucker, Comper, and Johnny Mainland.Ags. 1942 Scots Mag. (Nov.) 107:
Between “dooks” we searched under the grey slimy rocks for partans, or caught poach in the pools.Sc. 1952 Scots Mag. (Feb.) 358:
As for the “poach” — it is so fascinatingly ugly that I have seen many a visitor completely spellbound.
