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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

†PARCH, n., v. Also pearch. Sc. forms and usages of Eng. perch, a pole set up in a seaway to guide navigation. [pɑrtʃ]

I. n. As in Eng. In the Firth of Clyde applied to piles of stones used for the same purpose.Ayr. 1706 Arch. and Hist. Coll. Ayr. and Gall. XV. 130:
To keep up and place the three ballast pearches where veshells are to cast out their ballast.Gsw. 1844 J. G. Kohl Travels in Scot. 18:
In times of old . . . they had what are called “Parches.” These were large heaps of stones, on the tops of which were strong poles, surmounted by a basket, barrel, or similar signals. These parches, which are now quite useless, may, however, still be seen.Ayr. 1909 P. C. Carragher Saltcoats 78:
Two quaint rocks or “perches” sentinel the outer harbour. . . . To the front of the old pier head, stretch a row of “Perches” still bearing the iron rings through which, when a ship was going to sea, she was warped out to a barrel anchored to the south-west to make sail there. These the natives delight to call the “ring rocks.”

II. v. tr. To provide with parches or navigation poles, to set up poles or parches.Gsw. 1751 Burgh Rec. Gsw. (1911) 331:
That the river from the Garvell Point to Port Glasgow should be bowied or parchd on both sides, which would be of great service to trade.