Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
HANGSPEW, v. To torture animals or birds by catapulting them from a spring-board (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Hence used in threatening fashion to children = to punish severely.Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.:
Ye wee deil, A'll hangspew ee, at wull A.
