Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
WHUSH, n., v. Sc. variant of Eng. whish. Cf. also Hush, n.1, v.1 [ʍʌʃ]
I. n. A rushing noise (Sc. 1808 Jam.; Ork., m.Sc. 1974); fig. a stir, fuss, commotion. Also in Eng. dial.Sc. 1823 Blackwood's Mag. (March) 318:
The roar o' the waterfall only reached his ears now and then wi' a loud whush!Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 478:
A marriage makes a whush for a while on a kintra side.Per. a.1843 J. Stewart Sketches (1857) 91:
Hear ye a whush like waters fa'in?Abd. 1893 G. MacDonald Songs 32:
Up cam the tide wi' a burst an a whush.
II. v. To make a soft rushing noise, as wind, waves, etc. Also in Eng. dial.Lth. 1882 P. McNeill Preston 95:
Wild is the owlet 'Mong the trees whushing.
