Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

COWD, Cowdie, Cowdy, v., n. [kʌud(i)]

1. v. To rock gently, “to float slowly, with the motion affected a little by slight waves” (Cld. 1820 Edb. Mag. (May) 452; Ayr.⁴ 1928, cowdie). Cf. Cowdle.Sc. 1933 “Auld Lang Syne” in Scotsman (12 Jan.):
An old woman was bewailing her loss in the recent floods. “A' my puir hens gaed cowdin doon the burn.”Cld. 1820 Marmaiden of Clyde in Edb. Mag. (May) 424:
I cowd on the rowan' spait.Ayr.⁴ 1928:
The boat was cowdyin up and doon.

Hence cowder, “a boat that sails pleasantly” (Cld. 1820 Edb. Mag. (May) 452).

†2. n. (1) “A short and pleasant sail” (Cld. 1820 Edb. Mag. (May) 452); (2) “a single gentle rocking or motion, produced by a wave” (Ib.); (3) “the act of swimming” (Sc. 1825 Jam.²).