Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BULGER, n. 1. “A large marble used in children's games” (Cai. 1905 E.D.D. Suppl.). Cf. Bulsher. Not known to our correspondents.

2.  A golf-club of a particular shape (see quots.). Invented by W. Park of Musselburgh c.1884. Now obs.Sc. 1891 J. G. McPherson Golf & Golfers 77: 
The bulger is so small-headed and unseemly to the eye that we of the old school would be afraid of missing with it.Fif. 1897 R. Forgan Golfer's Manual 9, 11: 
The second variety of Driver is a comparatively recent invention, called the "Bulger." The name is derived from the characteristic peculiarity of the club, which has a convex face like a cricket bat. . . . Let the player "heel" or "toe" his ball-no matter, the "Bulger" sends it always straight. . . . The "Bulger" Mid-Spoon . . . is made with or without a "brass-sole," and is used for playing up to the hole when the distance is a little too far for the Cleek, and not far enough for the "Bulger" Brassy.