bootchlach, bootchlai noun a curse: Maggie, I want your solemn promise that you will never put the bootchlach on anyone again. 20-. etymology: the phrase ‘put the bootchlach on’ translates in Gaelic as cuir buidseachd air ‘put a spell of witchcraft on’; bootchlai attested in Shelta; bootchlach attested by BW |