Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
DROW, n.3 A goblin, one of the “little people” (Sh. 1825 Jam.2; 1866 Edm. Gl.; 1908 Jak. (1928)); the devil (Ork. 1908 Jak. (1928)). Gen. in pl. [drʌu]Sh. and Ork. 1830 Scott Demonology 122:
Possession of supernatural wisdom is still imputed by the natives of Orkney and Zetland Islands, to the people called Drows, . . . who may, in most other respects, be identified with the Caledonian fairies.