Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

TAWNY, n., v. Also tawnie. Heriot's Hospital Slang.

I. n. A bully.Edb. 1898 J. Baillie W. Crighton 12:
He's an awfu' tawnie, too; aye muggin' ye fur naething.

II. v. To bully. Hence tawnying, ppl.adj., bullying.Edb. 1898 J. Baillie W. Crighton 112:
The tawnying sumph o' a teller, he deserves a proper muggin'.