Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CLOUSH, Clush, Klush, n. [klʌuʃ Cai.; Klʌʃ Sh.]
1. “A lump” (Cai. 1911 D.D. in John o' Groat Jnl. (17 Feb.), cloush).
2. “An ungainly person” (Ib.); “a clumsy person, a full-built ship, anything clumsy” (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., klush).
Hence clushie, klushy, klushi, clumsy (Sh. Ib., clushie; 1914 Angus Gl., klushi).Sh.(D) 1916 J. J. H. Burgess Rasmie's Smaa Murr, Maerch 10:
A klushy shicken may grow ta be a boany hen.
