Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

WAW, n.² Also wa. A wave (of the sea). Phr. atween the wind and the wa, in great straits or poverty. See also Wind, n., 1. (1).Sc. 1821 Scott Pirate xxix.:
Through all the waws, wells, and swelchies of the Pentland Firth.Abd. 1881 W. Paul Past and Present 135:
“Gin she was sae bonny, what made her tak the like o you? ” “O, said Johnny, ye see, she was atween the win' and the wa, and that made her the mair pliable.”