[Imitative: cf. SQUISH-SQUASH. In sense 1 perh. a modified form of SQUISS v. or SQUIZE v.]
1. trans. To squeeze, to squash. Now dial.
1647. Hexham, I. To Squise or squish, wrijven.
1888–. in dial. glossaries, etc. (Berks., Glouc., Hamps.).
2. intr. Of water, soft mud, etc.: To give out a peculiar gushing or splashing sound when walked in or on; to gush up, squirt out, with such a sound.
a. 1825. Forby, Voc. E. Anglia, s.v., The water squishes under our feet in the grass, if it be walked on too soon after rain.
1861. Miss Yonge, Young Stepmother, iii. She had made but few steps before the water squished under her feet.
1892. ‘Q.’ (Quiller-Couch), I saw three Ships, 35. The water in her shoes squishing at every step.
Hence Squishing vbl. sb.
1647. Hexham, I. A squising or squishing together. Ibid., A squising or squishing out.
