Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SWAY, n. Also swey. Reduced forms of Eng. swathe, the row of cuts of grass made by a scythe (Per. 1915 Wilson L. Strathearn 269, swey; em.Sc. (a), wm. and s.Sc. 1972). Also in n.Eng. dial. [swe:, Per., Slg. swɑe]Knr. 1813 J. Bruce The Farmer 14:
You'll cut it [hay] down without delay, Ne'er let it yellow i' the sway, But tent it right.
