Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BOBBIN'-QUAW, BOB-QUAW, n. “A stretch of tough sward which shakes or quivers to one's tread, especially as indicating marshy soil beneath” (ne.Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B. s.v. quaw). [′bɔb(ɪn)′kwɑ:]Sc. 1932 J. G. Horne in Border Mag. (Nov.) 179:
What gif he's tint amang the snaw, Or drooned, wae's me! in a black bob-quaw.Rxb. 1825 Jam.2, s.v. quaw:
Bobbin'-quaw, a spring or wallie, over which a tough sward has grown, sufficient to support a person's weight. It is denominated from its shaking or bobbing under him.
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"Bobbin'-quaw n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 25 Apr 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/bobbinquaw>
