Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Bow staff, n. [Bow n.¹ Also ME. (1436) and e.m.E. pl. bowstaves.] A stave of wood suitable for making into a bow. 1425 Acts II. 8/1.
That all merchandis passande oure the see … bring hame … harnes & armouris with spere schaftis & bow staffis 1445 Edinb. Chart. 67.
Of the hundir bowstauys iiij d. 1447 Dundee Chart. 24.
Of c. boustafis