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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
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.

[Origin obscure, but cf. Corbaudie, where the general notion is also of a new element, good or bad, which alters the situation, the precise meaning being given to the word by the context.]

8232

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