Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1813-1913
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WOWF, adj. Also wowff, wouf(f); woof (s.Sc. 1802 J. Sibbald Chron. Sc. Poetry Gl.). Somewhat deranged in one's wits, touched in the head, violently agitated or excited (Lnk., Rxb. 1825 Jam.). Hence wowfish, wowfness (Rxb. Ib.). [wʌuf]Rnf. 1813 G. MacIndoe Wandering Muse 134:
Friendship, tho' lowan like a coal, Blin' wouff, had wintl'd in a hole, Clean out o' sight.Sc. 1818 Scott Letters (Cent. Ed.) V. 248:
Campbell is at present far too wowf to be sensible of the reproof which I design for him.m.Sc. 1842 A. Rodger Stray Leaves 126:
Mak' wowf wee Candlish round you swing.Dmb. 1868 J. Salmon Gowodean 78:
The tramp, your mither, wouf that you'd fau'n in, In fear and anger half, and half in gin.Abd. 1873 P. Buchan Inglismill 41:
Sae wowf gat the lawyer he bade folks agree.Ayr. 1913 J. Service Memorables 27:
Though at times a little wowff and bairnly he aften showed a gumption and wut that were byous.
