Dictionaries of the Scots Language
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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.

‡TOWIN, v. Also towen; town (Lth., Bwk. 1808 Jam.); toun. [′tʌu(ɪ)n]

1. To beat, belabour, subdue, tame by beating. Vbl.n. townin, a beating, thrashing (Ayr. 1825 Jam.).Sc. 1725 Ramsay Gentle Shep. iv. i.:
Ye towin'd him tightly — I commend ye for't; His blooding Snout gave me nae little Sport.Lth., Bwk. 1808 Jam.:
To town an unruly horse.

2. To tire, weary out (Fif. 1808 Jam.).

3. (1) tr. To toss or rumple, throw into disorder, of clothes, hay, straw, etc. (Dmf. a.1838 Jam. MSS. X. 319).Kcb. c.1920:
What are you towning the bed for?Dmf. 1925 Trans. Dmf. & Gall. Antiq. Soc. XIII. 42:
Tounin'. Tuffling with the wind.

(2) intr. To toss and turn (Kcb., Dmf. 1950), to move in a bustling, energetic way, to rummage.Dmf. 1873 A. Anderson Song of Labour 148:
When townin' through the drawer.Dmf. 1912 J. L. Waugh Robbie Doo 53:
I juist towned aboot, scartin' here and clawin' there.Dmf. 1925 Trans. Dmf. & Gall. Antiq. Soc. XIII. 42:
Tounin'-on frae morn till nicht.