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.
DOVE, v. [do:v]
1. To become drowsy, to doze (Sh.10, Cai.7 1949, obsol.; Bnff.2, Ags.17 1940; Fif. 1825 Jam.2). In Sh. often followed by ower = to doze off. Also in ne.Eng. dial.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
He dovd ower to sleep.
Hence dovey, adj., in comb. dovey-heidit, sleepy-headed.Fif. 1912 D. Rorie in County Folk-Lore VII. 146:
They had a' been sleepin' in ever since that dovey-heidit cratur had been their first-fit.
2. To be stupid (Fif. 1825 Jam.2). Also in n.Yks. dial.
Hence dovie, adj., stupid (Ib.; Wilson Cent. Scot. 238; Fif.10 1940). Also used substantivally = a stupid-looking person (Fif. 1825 Jam.2; Fif.17 1950; Per. 1915 Wilson L. Strathearn 243).
[Cf. Norw. dova, to fall asleep, to become stupefied, to be sluggish, O.N. dofinn, drowsy, sluggish, O.E. dofung, dotage, and see note to Dover.]
