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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

RUCTION, n. Also ruckshun. A riot, disturbance, quarrel (Cai. 1904 E.D.D.; Uls. 1953 Traynor). Gen.Sc. and coll. Eng.; a tumult in the sea (Sh. 1968).n.Sc. 1825 Jam.:
To raise a ruction, to be the cause of a quarrel.Lnk. 1838 J. Morrison McIlwham Papers 12:
A deacent kin' o' a body that whiles cam to Rafrilan fair, a wee after the time o' the ruction.w.Sc. 1869 A. MacDonald Settlement (1877) 159:
That year o' noise and ruckshun.Ags. 1887 A. Willock Rosetty Ends 87:
Twa kinds o' white, quiet-looking powther put into water causes the ruction that makes a fizzie drink.Sc. 1927 T. McWilliam Around the Fireside 48:
Noo re-construction Maun dourly follow a' the ruction.

[Etym. uncertain. The word is first recorded in Jam. as above but there is some evidence that it may be of Ir. orig. and a corrupted aphetic form of insurrection.]

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