A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1567-1568, 1690
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Paw, n.1 [Only Sc. Of unknown origin; the connection, if any, with Pavie n.1 is not clear, but the relationship may be like that of Braw a. and Brave a. Also in the later dial. in play a paw to play a trick, (not) to play paw, not to stir. Cf. also Pausis.] To play a (or one's) paw, to play a trick. —a1568 Scott xxv. 14.
Remane with me … And se quha playis best thair pawis [: fawis] —1690 Killiecrankie in Jacob. Songs (1887) 39.
They thought the devil had been there That played them sic a paw then
