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.
‡DOWLESS, adj. Also †dowles, †dawless. Feeble, lacking in strength or energy (Slg.3 1940; wm.Sc. 1835–37 Laird of Logan, Add. 577; Kcb.3 1929; Rxb. 1825 Jam.2, dawless, 1923 Watson W.-B., dowless, obsol.).Sc.(E) 1897 E. Hamilton Outlaws ii.:
What for did thae dawless brothers o' yours no play, eh, Trimmie?Sc. 1928 J. G. Horne Lan'wart Loon 7:
An' a' that rackt Tam's curly pow Was gif Dod Broon wad keep his vow, . . . Or swither like a dowless fule.Rnf. 1788 E. Picken Poems 132:
Wheens cripplan, dowless, frae the strife.Ib. 50:
We, wi' Winter's dowless days, Are chitt'ran sair wi' caul'.Ayr. 1841 J. Paton Songs 3:
My muse this while's turn'd unco crabbit, Dull dowles like a worn out rabbit.
