Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

PUNISH, v., n. Also poonish (Slk. 1810 Hogg Tales (1874) 241; Sh. 1898 J. Burgess Tang 30), pönish (Sh. 1900 Shetland News (22 Dec.)); peunish (Ork. 1915 Old-Lore Misc. VIII. i. 41), puinish; peenish (Cai.). Sc. forms and usages. [′pønɪʃ, Cai. ′pin-]

I. v. To stint, limit (Cai. 1903 E.D.D.); “to reduce [a stone] much in cutting and dressing; a term used by workmen” (Abd. 1825 Jam.; Cai. 1967).

¶II. n. Destruction, damage.Ags. 1853 W. Blair Aberbrothock 15:
Fat d'ye think, my naevie, Willie Boortree, has been lichtin' at's pipe wi' the ministers' beuks. Dinna ye think that it's time he was begood to repare for's puinish.