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.

CABBRACH, CABRACH, CABROCH, Cobroch, Kebrach, Kebruch, Kebritch, adj. and n. [′kɑbrʌx, ′kɔb-, ′kɛb-]

†1. adj. (1) “Rapacious, laying hold of every thing” (Sc. 1808 Jam., cabbrach). Also fig.Abd. after 1768 A. Ross Fortunate Shepherd MS., Intro. 3:
Oertook a cabbrach knibblack wi his heel And headlins stoited o'er into the moss.

(2) Lean, scraggy. Sc. 1827 C. I. Johnstone Eliz. de Bruce I. xiv.: 
There where ye sit with your cabrach leddy at your elbow.

2. n. †(1) “Very lean flesh, or what is scarcely better than car[r]ion; sometimes, the flesh of animals which have died of themselves” (Per. 1808 Jam., cabroch; Fif. 1825 Jam.², kebruch; Lth. 1808 Jam., kebrach; Rxb. 1825 Jam.², kebritch; 1923 Watson W.-B., obs.); “stinking putrid flesh; food for the ravens and greycrows” (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 106).

(2) fig. “A person of disagreeable temper and manners. The word is commonly applied to such as are above the ordinary stature” (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 21; Bnff.² 1938, cab(b)rach); “a big, uncouth, greedy person” (Bnff. 1898 E.D.D., cabroch).Kcb. 1794–1868 Curriehill:
Cobroch gentry are those of a long purse and a short pedigree.

3. Comb.: cabrach sweetie, a box on the ear.Abd. 1898 E.D.D.:
I'll gie ye a cabrach sweetie o' the lug.