A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
*How, n.7 Also: holl. [? Orig. identical with How n.3: cf. Norw. dial. huv roof-timber, and ON. húfa also = ‘part of a church in the old timber churches’ (Vigfusson). In the mod. dial., including Shetl. and north. Ir., as hoo, hou. (See also Hoch-staik.)] ‘A piece of wood which joins the couple-wings together at the top, on which rests the roof-tree (of a building)’ (Jam.). Also ? attrib. in howtrie, ? = roof-tree. —1633 M. Works Acc. (ed.) II. 351.
Aught syll ruites aucht sylle cropis four howis four balkis saxteine panes 1648 Edinb. B. Rec. VIII. 145 (see Lofting n. 1 b).
Holls, howtries
