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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

STROW, n.2 Also streaw. The shrew, Sorex araneus (sm.Sc. 1825 Jam.; Kcb. 1971). Also in comb. strow-mouse, id. [strʌu]Kcb. 1789 D. Davidson Seasons 4:
Wi' hungry maw he scours frae knowe to knowe In hopes of food in mowdy, mouse, or streaw.Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. x., 413:
Italian ditties are but like the “Cheeps o' the Strowmouse.” . . . Some lang-snouted cheeping strow.

[Poss. an altered form of Screw, n.1, id.]

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