A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1500-1633
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Widd(i)efow, n. and adj. Also: widdifow, viddeful(l, wid full, wedefull. [Widdy n. 2 and Fow adj., Full adj.]
A. noun.One who deserves hanging, a ruffian or rascal.Quot. Lynd. Sat. 2181 may belong in B.c1500-c1512 Dunb. Flyt. 101.
Wan visaged widdefow [M. wedefull] 1540 Lynd. Sat. 2181 (B).
[Wilkin:] How, maister, quhair ar ȝe now? [Pardonar:] I am heir, Wilkyn widdifow [Ch. widdiefow] 1540 Lynd. Sat. 3676 (B).
Now my lord for Goddis saik latt nocht hang me Howbeid thir widdefowis wald wrang me 1549 Complaynte of Scotland 41/12.
Viddefullis al, viddefuls al grit and smal a1585 Polwart Flyt. 789 (T).
Cruik mow, widdiefow [pr. widdiesow]
B. adj.Fit to be hanged, rascally, out of control.1540 Lynd. Sat. 3986 (B).
The widdefow wardanis tuik my geir 1633 Maxwell Mem. II 231.
This blak fellow drank, brak gles and wes wid full thairefter
