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.

CURBAWDY, CURBODY, CURRBAWTY, n.

1. “The art of seeking quarrel” (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 154, currbawty).

2. “Active courtship” (Dmf. 1825 Jam.², curbawdy; 1894 J. Shaw in Trans. Dmf. and Gall. Antiq. Soc. 145, curbody); a sham quarrel during courtship.Dmf. 1825 Jam.²:
She threw water at him, and he an apple at her; and so began curbawdy.