Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 1976 and 2005 supplements.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
GOWLIE, adj., n. Also gowly, †goulie, ¶ghouly.
I. adj. 1. Sulky, scowling (Rnf. 1825 Jam., goulie; Sh.10 1955). Also in Nhb. dial.Rnf. 1876 D. Gilmour Paisley Weavers 51:
The big gowly man said “God pity you, Mrs Swan, and me too.”
2. Of weather: boisterous, windy (Lth., Bwk. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 97, ne.Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., Rxb.5 1955); of places: very draughty (Ib.).Rxb. 1920 Kelso Chron. (19 Nov.) 2:
Talking of the cold, a damsel says she happened to be at St Boswells station on Tuesday — a ghouly spot.em.Sc. 1999 James Robertson The Day O Judgement 13:
Aroun the warld the gowlie rair
O birlin blowsterous thunner gaes
II. n. A fretful, crying child (Sc. 1900 E.D.D.; Sh.10 1955). Cf. Gowl, v.1
[From Gowl, n.1]
