Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
HUSH, n.2, v.2 Also husch(ou), hussh; huss(j) (Jak.). Cf. Hish. Freq. form hushel. [hʌʃ]
I. n. A cry used to drive away or frighten birds, etc. (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 85, husch(ou), hussh; Cai. 1902 E.D.D.; Sh., Cai., ne.Sc. (huschou), Uls. 1957). Also used as an int. (Ib.; Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), huss(j)). Hence combs. huss-kirr!, id. (Jak.); husseka musseka, an exclamation to chase away mice (Ib.).Ags. 1880 A. M. Soutar Hearth Rhymes 22:
Up ilka tree we'd keek a wee, For birdies' nests, ye ken, An' ilka bush wid get a hush In bonnie Battie's Den.
II. v. To scare or drive away birds, etc., by making this noise, to shoo (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 86, husch(ou), hussh; Uls. 1880 Patterson Gl.; Cai. 1902 E.D.D.; Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), huss(j); I.Sc., m.Lth. 1957). Also used fig.ne.Sc. 1714 R. Smith Poems (1869) 36:
Yea thou was husht out to the door, When thou (like Hell) began to roar.Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 85:
He wis unco ill aboot the aulest dother, an' soucht her; bit she was unco hehlliefou, an' huscht 'im awa.Ags. 1894 J. B. Salmond B. Bowden (1922) xvii.:
Here's Sandy Bowden on Donal's back. . . C'way an' we'll hush Donald [a pony] hame.Abd. 1933 J. H. Smythe Blethers 12:
At lang length, tho', the hin'most bird Wis hushelt doon the stair.
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"Hush n.2, v.2". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 7 May 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/hush_n2_v2>
