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.
Quotation dates: 1896, 1964
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TOBY, n. Also tobie, tobby. A stop-cock or valve in a water- or gas-main, gen. in a roadway at which the supply may be turned off, also applied to the covering, lid or box protecting it (Lth. 1941 Scotsman (10 Feb.) 7; Sc. 1952 Builder (20 June) 943). Gen.Sc.; jocularly, the penis (Abd., Ags. 1972). [′tobi]Abd. 1896 Abd. Tramway Specifications:
It is contemplated that the Town Council are to remove and relay gas and water tobies &c., manholes of sewers, and other works on the route of the proposed Tramway.Edb. 1964 J. T. R. Ritchie Singing Street 74:
"Suckers" are often used by small boys on the pavement for raising the gas or water "tobies."
