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.
†DAWDIE, n., adj.
1. n. “A dirty slovenly woman, a slattern” (n.Sc. 1808 Jam.).
2. adj. “Slovenly, sluttish” (n.Sc. 1808 Jam.).
[Prob. from Daw, n.2, with the ending -die on the analogy of other words, e.g. Howdie, Randy, but there may also be influence from Dad, n.2, 3.]
