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.
DOVE, v. [do:v]
1. To become drowsy, to doze (Sh.10, Cai.7 1949, obsol.; Bnff.2, Ags.17 1940; Fif. 1825 Jam.2). In Sh. often followed by ower = to doze off. Also in ne.Eng. dial.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
He dovd ower to sleep.
Hence dovey, adj., in comb. dovey-heidit, sleepy-headed.Fif. 1912 D. Rorie in County Folk-Lore VII. 146:
They had a' been sleepin' in ever since that dovey-heidit cratur had been their first-fit.
2. To be stupid (Fif. 1825 Jam.2). Also in n.Yks. dial.
Hence dovie, adj., stupid (Ib.; Wilson Cent. Scot. 238; Fif.10 1940). Also used substantivally = a stupid-looking person (Fif. 1825 Jam.2; Fif.17 1950; Per. 1915 Wilson L. Strathearn 243).
[Cf. Norw. dova, to fall asleep, to become stupefied, to be sluggish, O.N. dofinn, drowsy, sluggish, O.E. dofung, dotage, and see note to Dover.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Dove v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 20 May 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/dove>
