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.
Quotation dates: 1825
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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.
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"Curbawdy n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 9 Apr 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/curbawdy>
