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.
PUNCH-BOWL, n.comb. Sc. usages in phrs.: 1. bottom of the punch-bowl, a figure in Scottish country dancing (see quot.); the name of a Scottish dance tune; 2. round about the punch-bowl, a children's game (see quot.) (Uls. 1967).1. Per. 1903 E.D.D.:
Bottom of the Punch-bowl. Right hand off the couple, left hand and off, another right hand and turn partner full round — figure 8 each on own side; lady sets to second gentleman, gentleman sets to second lady, and reel three.Sc. 1964 J. & T. Flett Trad. Dancing 24:
His repertoire included many uncommon Country Dances, such as Bottom of the Punchbowl.2. Mry. 1898 A. B. Gomme Trad. Games II. 84–5:
“Round about the punch-bowl, One, two, three, If anybody wants a bonnie lassie Just take me.” . . . The Fochabers game . . . played by girls only. The players join hands and form a ring. They dance round, singing the verse. The last “me” is pronounced with emphasis, all . . . jump, and if one falls, she has to leave the ring. The game is carried on until all the players fall.Uls. 1898 Ib.:
“Round about the punchbowl, . . . one, two, three. First time never to fall, . . . one, two, three. Second time, the catching time, etc. Third time, the kissing time, etc.” Played at Belfast. At the words “one, two, three”, the players drop down in a crouching position for a few seconds.
