Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

COWSHUS, COUSHUS, Cowshis, Cooshious, adj. Variant forms of Eng. cautious. Te Eng. form is illustrated only in usages peculiar to Sc. [′kʌuʃəs ne.Sc., Ags.; ′kuʃəs Sh.]

1. As in St.Eng. = prudent, wary (Bnf ², Abd.¹⁹, Ags.¹⁷, Fif.¹⁰ 1941).Sh.(D) 1916 J. J. H. Burgess Rasmie's Smaa Murr, Navember 8:
Whin daa claas his lug, it's full time ta be cooshious.Bnff.(D) 1930 E. S. Rae Waff o' Win' 52:
A coushus chielie Geordie, bit She's gotten him at last.Abd.(D) 1871 W. Alexander Johnny Gibb xvii.:
I'se jist warn ye ance mair to be cowshus; or ye'll hear mair aboot it.

2. Unassuming, kindly, considerate.Abd.² 1943:
My neepour's a gweed cowshus breet that wadna say an ill word o' ony bodie.Ags.(D) 1894 J. B. Salmond My Man Sandy (1899) iv.:
He's an awfu' nice, cowshis man, the Smith.Per. 1898 E.D.D.:
Be cautious, noo' sherra, an' no put a big fine on me.

†3. Quiet.Abd. Ib.:
Be cautious, bairns, I'm deaved wi' yer din.