Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
VITCH, v. Also vitj (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)). To visit, especially to call on one's friends to exchange news or gossip (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XI. 226, 1866 Edm. Gl., ‡Sh. 1973). Vbl.n. vitching, casual calling on friends, deriv. n. vitcher, one who goes the rounds with gossip.Sh. 1894 J. M. E. Saxby Camsterie Nacket 132:
I'm no' ane that cares for vitching while there's wark for me hands at hame.Sh. 1898 Shetland News (8 Jan.):
Her time is spent vitchin, an' carryin' stories frae wan neebir till anidder.Sh. 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 222:
Everyday vitchers are tiresome guests.
