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).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BUMLACK, BUMLAK, BUMLICK, Bumlock, n. [′bʌmlək, ′bʌmlɪk]

1. “A small prominent shapeless stone, or whatever endangers one's falling, or proves a stumbling-block” (Abd. 1825 Jam.², bumlak, bumlock; Sc. 1898 E.D.D., rare; Bnff.², Abd.⁹ 1937).Abd. 1872 J. G. Michie Deeside Tales xvii.:
When I had gathered half a dozen good bumlacks out o' the land, I lookit round, but my cousin wasna' there.

2. A clumsy mass; “any person or thing round and clumsy, resembling a barrel” (Abd.² 1937, bumlick). Known to Bnff.² 1937.Bch. 1928 (per Abd.¹⁵):
Some gey bumlicks o' clods.

3. A bungler.Id.:
Wis't yon bumlick 'at boached the job?