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.
†RUDDOCH, n.1, adj. Also roudoch (Jam.), rood(y)och (Id.); ruidgeoch.
I. n. 1. “A term of contempt applied to a deluded wretch” (Ayr. 1825 Jam.); an ill-favoured, bad-tempered old woman, a hag, “an auld randie bodie, an old sturdy beggar” (Rnf. a.1850 Crawfurd MSS. (N.L.S.) R. 61).Lnk. a.1779 D. Graham Writings (1883) II. 18:
Let's ratify't wi' the auld ruddoch.Ayr. 1890 J. Service Notandums 104:
We! An' wha's ‘we', ye auld ruddoch?
2. A villain; a savage, a monster (Ayr. 1825 Jam.).
II. adj. Having a sour or sulky appearance (Ayr. 1825 Jam.).
[Some of the usages are of doubtful authenticity. The word appears to be an altered form of Rudas.]
