Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
A-BOSY, adv. (With the hands) crossed over the breast, with arms folded.Knr. a.1838 J. Kerr Hist. Curling (1890) 360:
No hands a-bosy, or across.
[From A-, pref.2, + Bosie. Cf. Book-a-bosom.]
