Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

‡BUNG THE BEGGARS, n. A policeman (Ags.¹ 1937, obsol.). A variant of Bang-the-beggar, n., 2, q.v. Cf. also bum the beggars, s.v. Bum, v.², n.³Mearns 1893 C. A. Mollyson Parish of Fordoun v.:
Rob Russell . . . was what was vulgarly called “Bung the Beggars.” It was his work to “convoy” sturdy beggars “furth” the parish.