Sc. Also bust, boost. [perhaps from BUIST sb.1: Jamieson has ‘tar-buist, the box in which the tar is kept with which sheep are marked.’] A mark of ownership made with tar or paint upon sheep or cattle; also fig.
1802. Sibbald, Scott. Poetry, Gloss., Bust, Boost, tar mark upon sheep, commonly the initials of the proprietor’s name.
1807. Ruickbie, Way-side Cott., 112 (Jam.). I’ll … catch them in a net or girn Till I find out the boost or birn.
1820. Scott, Monast., xxiv. He is not of the brotherhood of Saint Mary’s—at least he has not the buist of these black cattle.
