Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Mow, v.² [? spec. application of Mowv.¹: cf. the similar applic. of Jap(e v.] a. tr. and b. absol. or intr. To copulate (with), have sexual intercourse (with). Said chiefly (or ? only) of the man. —a. c1540 Lynd. Kitteis Conf. 16.
(Quod he) leue ȝe inlecherie? (Quod scho) Wyll Leno mowit me Ferg. a1598 Prov. MS. No. 582.
He hes too lookers anew quho mowes his wyf in the mercat 1603 Philotus clv.
Haue I not maid a berrie block That hes for Jennie maryit Jock That mowit my dochter for a mock? —b. c1540 Lynd. Kitteis Conf. 83.
To mow and steill, I ken the pryce a1598 Ferg. Prov. MS. No. 1520.
Who may do as ye may do to mow & gait no bairnes