Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1835
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BILSH, n. and v. [bɪlʃ]
1. n. “A boaster, braggart” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B. 56).
2. v.
(1) “To boast, brag” (nw., s.Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B. 56).
(2) “To speak loudly or angrily” (nw., centr.Rxb., Ib.).
Hence bilsher, n. and adj., “a boastful person” (w.Rxb. 1923 Ib.).Rnf. 1835 D. Webster Rhymes 110:
A bilsher wee red headed cock Just like thysel'.
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"Bilsh n., v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 7 Apr 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/bilsh>
