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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
HOWSY, n., adj. Also hawsy, hosy.
I. n. A person who is awkward in his movements and has a rough and untidy appearance (Lnk. 1957).
II. adj. Untidy or slovenly in work or habits (Ib.).
[Prob. imit., on analogy with blowzy, frowzy, Towsie, id.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Howsy n., adj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 14 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/howsy>
