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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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About this entry:
First published 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Mow, v.¹ [f. Mow n.³ 2: cf. late ME. (Lydgate) and e.m.E. mowe to grimace, pull faces.]

1. intr. To jest, joke, engage in banter or raillery; also, to speak triflingly or without seriousness.Also const. with (another) and with (= about, on the subject of) (a topic).(1) 1529 Lynd. Complaynt 246.
Quod the thrid man: thow dois bot mow 15.. Wyf Awcht. 84.
That day he had na will to mow [: low] 1570-3 Bann. Trans. 167.
Heir we began to mow, and as it were everie ane to lauch vpon ane uther, and so raise 1579, 1617 Despauter (1579).
To play or mow a1585 Polwart Flyt. 775 (T).
Mensche mowter, dar thow mow?(2) 1584 Gowrie P. 33.
He aunswered smylinly, ‘What! I thinke you meane not to mow with me’ 1596 Dalr. I. 268/29.
The King mowit verie oft with him(3) 1599 Rollock Wks. I. 314.
Lyfe and deith ar not maters to mow with

2. tr. To make fun of, mock, deride. 1456 Hay I. 208/23.
That he did bot scornyt the merchand and mowit the lettres of the kingis 1603 Philotus lxvii.
With ȝour words we ar na mair bot mowit This way to sie gif vs ȝe may suppryse