Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
MAW, n.5 Usually in pl., the mallow, a plant of the genus Malva (Rxb. 1825 Jam., Bwk. 1858 G. Johnston Botany E. Borders 46; ‡Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Also used attrib. Obs. in Eng.Sc. 1781 Caled. Mercury (24 Feb.):
Birds Seeds, viz. Canary, Hemp, Rape, and Maw Seed.Rxb. 1876 Science Gossip 39:
The different species of Malva are “maws”.Rxb. 1922 Kelso Chron. (6 Jan.) 4:
A cough of some standing was attacked by maws (malva sylvestris) or by linseed. Both are demulcent. The former was prepared by boiling the roots in water and drinking the resulting liquid.