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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

GOWDIE, -Y, n.² Also goudie, and obs. forms goldie, gowdnie, gawdnie. A name applied to various fishes, such as the dragonet, Callionymus lyra (m.Lth. 1811 Wernerian Soc. Mem. I. 529), the various species of gurnard, family Trigla (Abd. 1815 J. Arbuthnot Fishes 57, 1878 Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Abd. 89; e.Sc. 1903 G. Sim Fauna of “Dee” 213; ne. and em.Sc.

(a) 1955), and the sea scorpion or father lasher, Cottus bubalis (e.Sc. 1903 G. Sim Fauna of “Dee” 212; Ork., Abd. 1955). [′gʌudi]Fif. 1710 R. Sibbald Fif. & Knr. 53:
The Gawdnie, as the Fishers call it, Gild-necked and backed, . . . of the bigness of a small Whiting. [Editor's note (1803) gives the form gowdnie.]Bnff. 1845 Stat. Acc.² XIII. 250:
Along the coast, the following are taken; viz. gowdie, haddock, cod.Arg. Ib. VII. 591:
Another small fish is also taken on Loch Eck, though not frequently, or in any numbers, called by the country people the Goldie, which is said to be uncommon. It is in length not more than four or five inches, and of a beautiful golden hue when taken out of the water, and changes its hues of colour in interesting and beautiful variety. When held up by hand, it appears almost transparent, and seems a creature of peculiarly delicate structure.w.Sc. 1875 W. A. Smith Lewsiana 248:
The gemmeous dragonet, or gowdy (Callionymus lyra), was taken several times during our stay.Abd. 1890 Bon-Accord (10 May) 20:
I tak's aff the lid an' teem't oot the water, an' there at the boddim o' the kettle wis twa goudies bil't beyond recognition.