Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
FROW, n. Also frowe (Abd. 1924 Scots Mag. (Oct.) 55). A big, buxom woman (Sc. 1825 Jam.; Mry.1 1928; ne.Sc. 1953). Dim. form frowdie (n.Sc. 1808 Jam.) and back-formation frowd (Bnff. 1948). See -Die. Also attrib. or adj. Only in Eng. with special reference to Dutch women. [frʌu]Edb. 1750 A. Pennecuik Coll. Sc. Poems (1787) 23:
A buxom frow, both blyth and fair.Bnff. 1852 A. Harper Solitary Hours 65:
Our frowdie maid Lies in her bed right sore afraid.Ant. 1892 Ballymena Observer (E.D.D.):
A lazy big frow.Abd. 1920 A. Robb MS.:
My man gaed awa and got haud o' a great fat frow o' a deem.Sc.(E) 1936 J. G. Horne Flooer o' the Ling 1:
Nae frowdie drab Wi' hingin gab, This tosy wench.
