Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SPLATCH, n., v. Also intensive form splatchin (Gregor). [splɑtʃ]
I. n. A splodge, blot of something, freq. of semi-liquid or sticky substance, a patch of colour, dirt, etc. (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 435; Cai. 1904 E.D.D.; Bwk. 1942 Wettstein). Gen.Sc. Obs. in Eng. exc. dial. and U.S.Sc. 1825 Jam.:
What a great splatch of a seal there's on that letter.Per. 1875 R. S. Fittis Per. Antiq. Misc. 398:
Some black streaks doon the inside o' the back, and a muckle black splatch on the seat.Bnff. 1937 Abd. Press & Jnl. (23 Sept.):
A splatch o' something reid.
II. v. 1. tr. To bedaub, splash (Sc. 1825 Jam.; Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 177, splatchin; Bwk. 1942 Wettstein; Sh., ne.Sc., em.Sc. (a), Lth., Rxb. 1971). Also in U.S. Hence splatchin, adj., plashing-wet (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.), vbl.n., a splodge of mud thrown up in walking or the like (Abd. 1825 Jam.).Rxb. 1933 Kelso Chron. (3 Nov.) 5:
The claith michtna be snaw-white, it wis splatched wi' beer in pairts.
2. intr. To walk through water or mud with great splashing and commotion; to flounder across wet or marshy ground (Sh. 1971).Sh. 1918 T. Manson Peat Comm. I. 122:
Dey aa took dir fit i dir haand an splatched hom agen as best dey could.
