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.
BOUTCHENACH, n. An evil spell, some supernatural frustrating influence.Rs. 1943 C. M. Maclean Three for Cordelia 117:
We'll never save them. There seems to be boutchenach on us.
[Ad. Gael. buisneachd, variant of buitseachd, < buitseach, a Gaelicised form of witch. See Boutchach.]
