A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Cabil(l)-tow, n. Also: cable, caibell, kabill. [Tow n.] A cable-rope, cable.1555–6 Edinb. B. Rec. II. 325.
For ane cabill tow to the waindes 1591 Edinb. D. Guild Acc. 429.
Ane kabill tow … to lat doune the bell 1612 Conv. Burghs II. 375.
The said impost: … caibell towes, hemp, yron, … the last v s. 1746 Row Sermon 3.
After they got us fast, they made the silken threed a cable-tow 1642 Edinb. Test. LX. 121 b.
Certane kabill towes estimat to fyftie pundis
