Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1721, 1819, 1883-1928
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BO, BOO, int. and v.
1. int. As in St.Eng., except in phr. to say bo(o) to (tae) your (yer) blanket, to cast reproach upon one, to injure one's reputation.Sc. 1721 J. Kelly Proverbs 96:
He dare not say, Bo to your Blanket. That is, he dare not offer you the least Injury.Abd.4 1928:
"Canna say boo tae yer blanket" would mean in Buchan "cannot cast a slur on your character."Clc. 1883 J. Christie in Dollar Inst. Mag. (April):
Be honest, and eident, and thrifty, That nane may say "boo" to your blanket.
2. v. in phr. to bo' one's blanket, with meaning as in 1.Ags. 1819 G. Beattie in Montrose Characters (1880) 119:
I can gae up thro' a' the street And nane can bo' my blanket.
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