Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

ROW, v.² Also rouw (Sc. 1891 J. Burgess Rasmie's Büddie 51); and, by confusion with Row, v.¹, †roul (Sc. 1727 Six Saints (Fleming 1901) I. 340). Sc. forms and usages of Eng. row, to work an oar. [rʌu]

1. To go fishing, to put to sea in a fishing-boat whether it is propelled by oars or any other means.Sh. 1836 Gentleman's Mag. II. 590:
Frae Ska, whaer I wiz rowin dat simmer.Abd. 1967, obsol.:
“Are ye gyaan tae row the day?” i.e. going to sea.

2. Of a boat: to move along in the water easily or smoothly (Sh., Abd., Ags. 1968); fig. in contexts suggesting a successful passage through life.Abd. 1788 Aberdeen Mag. 537:
O weel may the boatie row, An' better may she speed.Rnf. 1807 R. Tannahill Poems (1900) 194:
The Queensferry boatie rows light.Abd. 1916 G. Abel Wylins 11:
This is no a chummy warld for him whause boatie disna row.