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Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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

DOZE, Dose, v.¹, n. ¹ [do:z]

1. v.

(1) tr. To spin (a top) so rapidly that it does not appear to move (Fif. 1949 (per Abd.²⁷); Edb.³ 1929, doze, dose; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., doze). Vbl.n. dozing.Sc. 1821 Blackwood's Mag. (Aug.) 34:
At another [time], dozing of taps, and piries, and pirie cords, form the prevailing recreation.Edb. 1886 J. Smith Merry Bridal, etc. 35:
Whyles dosin' tap, or playin' ba'.Edb. 1893 W. G. Stevenson Wee Johnnie Paterson (1914) 182:
Maby dozin' his peeris, his top, or playin' at bools in front o' his faither's door.Edb. 1926 A. Muir Blue Bonnet 191:
“Thank the kind leddy for talking to you so nicely.” “Thank ye,” mumbled Hector. “But I wish I'd see ye dose a peerie.”

(2) intr. To spin (of or like a top) (Sc. 1825 Jam.², doze; Fif. 1949 (per Abd.²⁷); Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Hence dozing-tap.Edb. 1828 D. M. Moir Mansie Wauch (1839) xxiii.:
It twisted round my neck and, mostly blinding me, made me doze like a tottum.Edb. 1871 J. Ballantine Lilias Lee 184:
Its doggie and its dozing-tap are left to rest awee.

2. n. A spin, a spell of spinning a top.Edb. 1926 A. Muir Blue Bonnet 190:
Here's the peerie. You hae first dose.