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.
BOBBY, n. As in colloq. Eng., a policeman. Phr. bobbies and thieves, a children's game (see quot.).Gsw. 1900 Gsw. Evening News (21 June 1947):
Another favourite game was “bobbies and thieves,” when the participants divided themselves into pursuers and pursued.
