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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.

SMOCH, v., n. Also smogh-; smouch, smowch (Watson). [smox, smʌux]

I. v. To emit dense stifling smoke, as damp wood in burning (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).

II. n. Thick, choking smoke (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; Fif., Rxb. 1970); thick fog (Ags. 1970). Adj. smoghie, smochy, smoky; of the air: close, sultry, stifling, “implying the idea both of mist and of sultriness” (Fif. 1825 Jam.; Rxb. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XI. 170; Fif. 1970).Sc. 1935 W. Soutar Poems in Scots 50:
Cain's, amang his wauchy wisps, Smoor'd in a smochy drow.

[Appar. a local variant of smoke, with phs. some influence from Moch, n.2]

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