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.
BYOCK, Byok, v. and n.1 ne.Sc. forms of Bock, q.v. [bjɔk]
1. v. To retch; to gush out; “to issue with a sudden rush as from the mouth in sickness, or water released from a choked drain” (Bnff.2 1927; Abd.2, Ags.2 1938).Abd.(D) 1924 J. Coutts in Swatches o' Hamespun 62:
The reek cam byockin oot, An' it a' bit blint the wifie as she fummelt roon aboot.Bch.(D) 1929 J. Milne Dreams o' Buchan 14:
I The slivver throwe his beard did sype, He hoastit till he byokit.
2. n. A retch, vomiting (Bnff.2, Abd.9 1938).Bnff.12 1900:
“The whal' gied a byock — naething cam: the whal' gied anither byock — and still naething cam. An' the whal' gied a thurd byock — an' oot cam Jonah.” Heard in a pulpit 60 years ago.
