Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1853-1894
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WO, int. Also ¶woo (Abd. 1871 W. Alexander Johnny Gibb i.), ¶woy (Bwk. 1809 R. Kerr Agric. Bwk. 503), ¶woe-y (Lth. 1829 G. Robertson Recoll. 163). Sc. forms and usages of Eng. wo(y), a call to a horse to stop. Sc. combs.: 1. wo-back, as in Eng. dial., a call to stop, also in Sc. a call to back (Ayr. 1930: Ork., n.Sc., Per. 1974). Also in Eng. dial.: to turn right (Per., Fif. 1974); 2. wo-hie, a call to turn left (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; Cai., Per. 1974). Also in n.Eng. dial. See Hi; 3. wo-hup, a call to turn right (lb.). Also in n.Eng. dial. See Hup.1. Lnk. 1853 W. Watson Poems 25:
Hap, wyne, wo back, or step awa.Fif. 1894 D. S. Meldrum Margrédel ix.:
'Wo-back, ye jade!' he cried, seizing the reins.
