Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
POO, n. Also pou, pow. The common edible crab, Cancer pagurus (e.Lth. 1808 Jam.; Lth., Bwk. 1953; e.Lth. 1980s; Bwk. 1990s). Combs. poo-craive, a crab-trap (Bwk. 1966). See Cruive; pow-tae, a crab's claw (e.Lth. 1825 Jam.). [pu:]Bwk. 1901 Hist. Bwk. Nat. Club XVIII. 131:
Aye, it needs a jabble on the waiter to gar the poos creep.Edb. 1909 Bk. Old Edb. Club II. 188:
Another, and no doubt older partan cry was, “Caller poos”, this being more usually adopted in the humbler parts of the town.
