Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BAD-USE, v.comb. To treat badly, ill-use (a living creature), misuse (a thing) (Sh., ne.Sc., Ags. 1975); to abuse, vilify, revile.Mry. 1897 J. Mackinnon Braefoot Sk. 101:
Get oot o' this, ye ill-tongued scoonrel, an' nae bad-use fowk at their ain fire-side. Abd. 1973:
I dinna like tae see bairns nor beasts bad-used. He was a richt roch chiel, bad-used aathing he wrocht wi.
[From bad, adv., – use.]