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.
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.
