A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1499-1513
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Hen-wyf(e, -wif, -vif, n. [Hen n. 2.] A henwife, the woman in charge of the hens. Venus' henwyf, a bawd. —a1500 Tale of the Colkelbie Sow 844.
He … chairget sone his henwyfe to do hir cure, And make thame [eggs] fruct a1508 Kynd Kittock 24.
[In heaven] Scho lewit a gud life, And wes our ladyis hen wif 1513 Doug. iv. Prol. 187.
With Venus henwyffis quhat wys may I flyte, That strakis thir wenschis hedis thame to ples?
