Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SPYOG, n., v. Also spyogg, spiog; spoag(an), spogue; spoug; sporg. [Cai. spog]
I. n. 1. A paw, hand, foot, or leg (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 179; Ork. 1929 Marw., spoag(an); Cai. 1971). Adj. spogach, having big clumsy hands, not deft (Cai. 1934).Lnk. a.1779 D. Graham Writings (1883) I. 271:
Her twa short hose, and her twa spiogs.Sc. 1827 Scott Two Drovers i.:
His tartan hose over a pair of more promising spiogs.Cai. 1972 D. Omand Cai. Book 257:
A hit 'im wi' ma left spoug.
2. A bare, stumpy branch (Mry. 1921 T.S.D.C.; Inv., Mry., Bnff. 1971). Ppl.adj. spyoggit, spiky, in comb. spyoggit wire, barbed wire (Mry. 1923).
II. v. To stalk, walk in a stilted, stiff-legged manner (Ork. 1929 Marw., Ork. 1971); to march sedately.Gall.3 c.1867:
Here's the burial folk a' spoguing down the brae.
