Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SLUDGE, n., v. Also slutch. Sc. form and usages:
I. n. 1. As in Eng. in phr. ¶to play sludge, to become as soft as sludge or mud.Slg. 1885 A. Murray Poems 12:
His hairt played sludge, as saft as butter.
2. A slovenly careless person “one who abuses his clothes with mire or dirt, in working or walking” (Cld., s.Sc. 1825 Jam.); a coarse or slovenly woman (Ib.); a hanger-on; parasite (Rxb. 1825 Jam.).
II. v. To walk or move heavy-footedly and messily through mud or soft ground, to wade in the mire (Fif. (slutch), s.Sc. 1825 Jam.); to work messily in mud (Ib.). Also in Eng. dial.Ags. 1821 D. Shaw Songs 11:
So slutching-like he ran, sir.
