Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 1976 and 2005 supplements.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
COWN, COAN, v. Also coun (Cai. 1869 M. Maclennan Peasant Life 257). To weep (mostly used of children); to cry aloud, lament (Ork. c.1900 (per Abd.27), cown; Cai.7 1940); “to weep from fear” (Cai. 1930 A. D. Miller W.-L.); also of birds. Also Vbl.n. [kʌun, ko:n]Cai. 1869 M. MacLennan Peasant Life (3rd ed.) I. 248:
Ye haena the speerit o' a chicken, sittin' there coanan and groanan.Cai. 1932 Caithness Forum in John o' Groat Jnl. (22 Jan.) 7:
Every fairmer ye meet cownan 'boot poor prices an' hard times.Cai. 1992 James Miller A Fine White Stoor 112:
A drunk Scotsman cowns for his granny and the mist on the brae. Cai. 1992 James Miller A Fine White Stoor 80:
What with the woman's cowning and his lack of sleep, he took a long time to come to himself, get his bike out and go once more for the doctor.Rs. (Avoch) 1916 (per Mry.2):
At are thoo cownin for?em.Sc.(a) 1991 Kate Armstrong in Tom Hubbard The New Makars 115:
Hornshottle croftlaund, whaur the wind sings tae the gress
At catches the yett's fingers; whaups cown.
