Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1825, 1893
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†BANG-THE-BEGGAR, n. Also ‡bung the beggars (Ags.1 1937, obsol.). A policeman. Cf. also bum the beggars, s.v. Bum, v.2, n.3
1. (See quot.)Rxb. 1825 Jam.2:
Bang-the-beggar, a strong staff, a powerful kent, or rung. [Marked obs. by Watson Rxb. W.-B. (1923).]
2. (See quot.)Dmf. 1825 Jam.2:
Humorously transferred to a constable.Mearns 1893 C. A. Mollyson Parish of Fordoun v.:
Rob Russell . . . was what was vulgarly called "Bung the Beggars." It was his work to "convoy" sturdy beggars "furth" the parish.
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"Bang-the-beggar n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 12 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/bangthebeggar>
