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.
†DWAB, n. and adj. Also dwaub, dwybe.
1. n. A feeble, over-tall person (Rnf. 1788 E. Picken Poems, Gl., dwybe).Ags. 1825 Jam.2:
Generally applied to one who has not strength in proportion to size; as, She's weel grown, but she's a mere dwaub.
2. adj. Feeble, weak.Per. 1881 R. Ford Hum. Sc. Readings 65:
“An' sin' ye're sae bouncey, we'll test it, deil's in it” . . . “Were it no I'm sae dwab on the legs,” quo the tailor.