Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
GOVIE, n. Also goavie, goovie. “One awkward and senseless in talk” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; Uls. 1955). Given as an adj. = flighty, unsettled (Slk. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XI. 68). [′go:vi]
[From Gove, v., n.1: cf. gaivie from Gaive.]
