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.
WINCHOU, n. Also winshoo. An implement for twisting hair-ropes, a thraw-cruik.Ork. 1920 J. Firth Reminisc. 105:
Swine's and cows' hair were mixed together and carded on wool cards, and the “rowars” were spun into a cord by means of a very simple home-made contrivance called a “winshoo.”Ork. 1924 P. Ork. A.S. II. 80:
A good horse was expected to keep himself in tether with the hair of his tail and mane. This hair rope, which I have seen used in early days, was spun on a home-made machine called a “winchou.”
