Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

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

GOWDS, n. Also gouds. A familiar or affectionate name for a child (Cai. 1950) or a married woman; also used as a term of address. [gʌudz]Cai. 1911 John o' Groat Jnl. (3 Feb.):
A'm at fard's gouds.Cai. 1916 T.S.D.C. II.:
Weel, Gowds, foo are ye the day?