A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Fer(r)ow cow, n. Also: ferro, ferray. [Flem. verrekoe (Kilian 1599), varrekoe, also verwe-, varwekoe (De Bo), a cow no longer capable of bearing. Cf. Farrow, Forrow and Furrow Cow.] A cow not in calf.1483 Acta Conc. *83/2.
Twa ȝeld ky, … viij ky with calf, … and sevin ferrow ky 1494 Ib. 363/1.
Withhalding fra him of xi ky with calf, twa ferow ky, aucht gelde ky 1513 Prestwick B. Rec. 45.
The said Mertyn sall haif leyf & licens … to hald j ferow kow or j mylk kow 1542 Reg. Cupar A. II. 200.
Giffand … for ilk ferrow kow, viij pund of buttir and four pund of girs maill 1588 St. A. Test. II. 98 b.
Ane ferrow kow, … ane stirk 1594 Brechin Test. I. 121.
Ane auld ferray kow 1611 Ib. III. 205.
Ane auld ferrow kow
