Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1801-1825, 1933
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PLATCH, adj., n.2, v.2
I. adj. Flat, esp. applied to the feet, flat-soled, with fallen arches (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Comb. platch-fittit, flat-footed. Also platcher-, platchy-fittit, id. (Ib.).Rxb. 1801 J. Leyden Complaynt 362:
Platch foot, a foot that has no curvature in the sole.
II. n. A foot having a fallen arch, a flat foot (‡Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).Rxb. 1825 Jam.:
If you are going on a journey, on a Monday morning, and meet a man who has platches or plain soles, it is necessary . . . that you should turn again, because it is an evil omen.
III. v. 1. To plant down one's feet in an awkward flat-footed way, to walk in a heavy ungainly manner (Rxb. 1825 Jam., 1923 Watson W.-B., 1942 Zai; Sh., Rxb. 1966).Sc. 1933 Border Mag. (June) 82:
Platching up thro' Eskdalemuir wi' sairly blistered feet.
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"Platch adj., n.2, v.2". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 5 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/platch_adj_n2_v2>
