Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BUSY, adj. Sc. usage in comb. busy bob, see quot.Dmf. 1962 J. C. I. McConnel Upper Nithsdale Coalworks 53:
Pick blades or points were brought to the surface as required to be sharpened by the blacksmith. In later years he had a mechanical device called “Busy Bob” to help him.
