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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

GOWKSTON, prop. n. Also Gouckston. In phr. to make John Gowkston of (a man), to make a cuckold of (Ayr. 1846 J. Paterson Ballads & Songs (Series 1) 34).Sc. 1769 D. Herd Sc. Songs 323:
Ye might hae come to me yoursell, Outwittens of your daddy, And made John Gouckston of the laird, And kiss'd his bonny lady.

[Surname formed from Gowk, n.1, 2. + -to(u)n as in Swanston, Livingston, Johnston, etc. Gowkston is found as a farm-name in various places.]

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