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.
†PUIST, v.2, n.2 Also poist, pyst.
I. v. To urge forward, push, impel (Rxb. 1802 J. Sibbald Chron. Sc. Poetry Gl., poist); to attack by pushing or punching, to box on the ear. Phr. to puist intae (a person), to “tear into” someone, attack another with blows. Also fig., to scold, criticise, attack censoriously.wm.Sc. 1903 “S. Macplowter” Mrs. McCraw 4:
You lads is aye puistin' intae fowks that drinks.Rxb. 1927 Trans. Hawick Arch. Soc. 68:
A' puisteet 'im.
II. n. A thrust, push, impulse, throw.Abd. 1950 Banffshire Jnl. (11 July):
“It took mair nor ae pyst,” he said, to pitch the sheaves to his hand.
