Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
FA, n.2 Also faa (Sh.), faw. Sc. forms of Eng. fall, a mouse- or rat-trap, esp. one that falls on and crushes its victim (Sc. 1721 Ramsay Poems, Gl.; Sh., Cai., Abd., Ayr. 1950).Rnf. 1788 E. Picken Poems 45:
Ane grip't the bait, the fa' play'd sneck, An' catch't the hero by the neck.Lth. 1801 J. Thomson Poems 6:
A cow he left worth guineas five, . . . Likewise a ratten fa'.Ayr. 1841 J. Paton Original Songs 34:
Wi' monnie a well made milkin' boyn, Flails, faws for catching mice.Fif. 1916 G. Blaik Rustic Rhymes 171:
Dauve says he'll gang an' get a faw.
