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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SCREW, n.1 Also skrow (Jam.). A shrew, Sorex araneus (Sc. 1825 Jam.; Ags., w.Lth., Ayr., sm.Sc. 1969). Sometimes applied to other kinds of field-rodents.Abd. 1868 W. Shelley Wayside Flowers 56:
The moudie and the thrifty skrow That howk their hames aneth the sward.

[A northern form of shrew, O.E. scrēawa, id.]

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