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.

Pavie, -y, n.¹ [Of unknown origin; cf. also Paw n. Also in the mod. Sc. and north. Ir. dials.] A (nimble, clever or fantastical) movement of the body. Chiefly in to play a pavie or pavies, to execute such a movement; to perform, or to play, a trick. — a1605 Birrel Diary 47.
A juglar playit sic sowple tricks upone ane tow … he raid doun the tow and playit sa maney pavies on it a1650 Row 451.
I using often to play this pavie, the nunnes … did sometymes see me doe it and laugh at me Ib. 452.
And then … he played his pavie befor the esquyre, walking up and doune the chamber as if he had been blind 1681 Colvil Whig's Suppl. i. 72.
Perhaps a railing foolish ranter Will tell a bishop Covenanter An honest clergy-man will be When cable passeth needles eye For some of such had play'd a pavie [: navie] a1689 Cleland 47.
He was well versed in court modes, In French pavies and new com'd nods ?a1500 Steel Roy Robert (1700) 175.
We … sought by mariage for a peace Begging our prince the Bruce Davie On your Dame Jean to play a pavy