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 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Ows, v. [Cf. Ois(e v., Use v.] tr. To use; to practise (a trade). — c1420 Wynt. iv. 1530.
Of gentyll knychtis than off fute That owsyd nothyr spure na bute 1471 Lindores A. 165.
On fawt the crafft that he owssis