Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1779-1885
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HAMSHOCH, n., adj. Also hamsho(u)gh, -sheugh, -sheath, -schoch, haumshoch. [′hɑmʃɔx]
I. n. 1. A misfortune, an untoward accident, a disturbance (Fif., Knr. 1825 Jam., -shogh, -sheugh); also used fig. with reference to interference with any business in a harsh or discourteous manner (Ib.).Lnk. c.1779 D. Graham Writings (1883) II. 16:
The hamsheughs were very great until auld uncle Rabbie came in to redd them.Sc. 1829 J. Rennie St Patrick II. xiii.:
Hasna as muckle owrance o' himsel' as win up on the feet o' him. I wonner what taks him in amang hamshoghs ava.Abd. 1885 J. Scorgie Flittin' Noo 24:
Ah! mony a hamshoch I hae seen, The reckless canna but play clash.
2. A sprain or contusion (of the leg), a severe bruise (sometimes accompanied by laceration) (Fif. 1808 Jam., -schoch, -sheugh; Ayr. 1825 Jam., haumshoch).
II. adj. 1. Severely bruised; “often referring to a contusion accompanied with a wound” (Fif. 1825 Jam., hamshoch, -sheugh).Ayr. 1841 J. Paton Songs 24:
Tho' they [horses] be hamsheath, crock'd and lame.
¶2. Of critics: severe, censorious.Ayr. 1821 Scots Mag. (April) 351:
Thae haumshoch bodies o' critics get up wi' sic lang-nebbit gallehooings, an' youfat bravooras.
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"Hamshoch n., adj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 17 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/hamshoch>
