Re-posting due to a last minute typo (<"/i> doesn't work like "</i>). A clone may delete the preceding post:

As Don T's example sort of demonstrates, it has been my observation that "to Scotch" also can be used as a verb.

The consistently derogatory/deprecatory usage of this verb form, among a fairly large group of former associates among whom the distinction between persons originating in "Scotland" and those coming from "Ireland" was unknown (defamation by association?), and the proclivity of some associates to attempt to find or invent derogatory meanings in every use of the word "Scotch" that might be construed to have a "verb usage," led me to prefer the term "Scots" for the adjective referring to persons.

Given that I encountered - in that time 40 years ago - very few persons who needed to be described by ethnicity, I was never able, or much inclined, to ask about their preferences; but for most of my associates, "Scots" or "Scotsman" saved a lot of time by evading the necessity of explaining what form of insult I intended and/or of denying their invented slurs.

As the "verb usage" seems to have faded, except within a few narrowly constituted sub-cultures, I would be amenable to modification of my customary usage - should this thread (or similar pedantry) arrive at a useful conclusion. Pending that, I suspect that I can find other clouds of feathers to fight more productively. (?)

John