Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
¶PAUCE, v., n.
I. v. To strut around on one's dignity, prance with rage or irritation (n.Sc. 1808 Jam.); to assume a stiff, offended demeanour.
II. n. The caper or prancing step of a high-spirited horse (n.Sc. 1808 Jam.).
[Orig. somewhat doubtful, phs. a reduced form of pauvice s.v. Pavie, or merely a Sc. form of Eng. pace, Mid.Eng. paas, O.Fr. pas.]
