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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

KICHER, v.1, n.1 Also †kigher, kecher. [′kɪçər, ′kɛç-]

I. v. To have a short, persistent, tickling cough (Ags. 1825 Jam.; Abd., Kcd., Ags., Fif., Ayr., Wgt. 1960). Cf. Keuch(le), Kecht.Ags. 1896 Barrie Sentimental Tommy xxiii.:
She has that kechering host and spit now.
Ags. 1947 Forfar Dispatch (14 Aug.):
I've gotten a youkie thrapple, he telt me. . . . It's some queer but eez kicher didna lest lang ootside.

II. n. A short, sharp cough (Abd., Kcd., Ags., Fif., Ayr. 1960).Ags. 1903 Arbroath Guide (8 Aug.) 3:
She gae twa or three kechers o' a hoast.
Ags. 1948 People's Jnl. (26 June):
Granny McKay hed haen a kicher o' a hoast.

[A freq. form of Kich, n.2, q.v.]

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