Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

¶GAW-HAW, v. To talk or laugh loudly. Cf. Gaffaw, to laugh noisily.Mry. 1865 W. H. L. Tester Poems 144:
The trumpet he's blawin', an' the new wheel is gauin, An' the wives are gaw-hawin', my dear Granny Doo.Mry. 1872 Ib. 189:
The Forres “Hope” may tak' oor size, An' “Spey” gaw-haw, an' plot, man . . . We dinna care a groat, man.