Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1778-1825, 1908-1917
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DOCHER, Docker, n., v., adj. Also doker, dokkir, dukker. [′doxər, ′dɔxər, ′dɔkər]
I. n.
1. Injury (Mearns 1825 Jam.2); rough handling, wear and tear (Abd. 1933 (per Abd.27)). Also fig. of hard work, strenuous living, fatigue (Sh., Ork. 1900 E.D.D., dokkir).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Hit can stand or bide nae doker.Abd. 1778 A. Ross Helenore 22:
She'll be mair stivvage and for docker meet, If she a toumon be behadden yet.Abd.3 (Upp. Deeside) 1917:
It winna stan' muckle docker.Mearns 1825 Jam.2:
A maiden's tocher Tholes nae docher.
2. Strength (of material), durability (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., docker; 1914 Angus Gl., dukker). Also fig. of persons: stamina, power of endurance (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Der'r nae doker in it.Mry. 1913 R. Cairns in Kenilworth Mag. II. No. 3, 54:
A woman on Lossie Green drying her clothes was heard to say "Thae blankets ha'e nae docher in them."
II. v. To endure, last, wear well (Mry.1 1925).
†III. adj. "Hardy, capable of enduring labour and exposure" (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., dokkir).
[Gael. dochair, hurt, damage, injury.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Docher n., v., adj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 15 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/docher>
