Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

DOWDEN, Douden, v. [′dʌudən]

1. Of the wind: to buffet about so as to exhaust. Ppl.adjs. dowdent, battered, exhausted by contending with a stormy wind (Abd.⁷ 1925), dowdenin(g), boisterous (Abd.⁶ c.1916).Abd.⁸ 1916:
A sad, sair, dowdnin win', i.e. a wearying out, roaring wind.

2. With weakened sense: to lull to sleep. Ppl.adjs. doudenin', lulling; dowdent, heavy with sleep (Bnff.⁹ c.1927; Abd.⁴ 1932).Abd. 1921 R. L. Cassie Doric Ditties 30:
An' i' the cradle we lay doon Tae doudenin' lilt o' Doric.