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.
‡VAAV, n., v. Also vav (Jak.). [vɑ:v]
I. n. A woollen thread which tied the bait to the old-fashioned wooden pin or Varnagel which served as a fishing-hook (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl.).Sh. 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 128:
This pin with the bait was held in position by a wrapping of coarse wool called vaav. . . . Long after the introduction of the modern hook, fishermen still used vaav when fishing with very soft bait.
II. v. To tie fish-bait to the pin or hook as above (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928)). Vbl.n. vaaving, the woollen thread used for the purpose, = I.Sh. 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 129:
The vaaving that held the vaarnakle . . . in an upright position now relaxed, and it turned horizontally across the mouth or throat of the fish.Sh. 1900 Shetland News (3 Nov.):
He vaav'd his hidmist huik an' höv'd him ower da gunn'l.
