A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1990 (DOST Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1475-1595, 1650-1700
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Rowar, -er, Rollar, n. [ME and e.m.E. rower (Chaucer); Row v.1] One who rows; an oarsman. c1475 Acts of Schir William Wallace vii 1182.
The rowar out he straik with gret slycht 1512 Treasurer's Accounts IV 344.
For botis and rowaris to turse the king to Sanct Mary Ile 1513 Doug. x iv 118.
Rowaris … Rasyng thame on thar thoftis … The fludis smate with hundreth arys at anys 1538 Jervise Memor. Angus & Mearns II 203.
Ane sufficient rollar to the fyscheyng of Nethir Campsye 1542 Reg. Cupar A. II 181.
Ane sufficient rowar to the cobill 1579 Despauter (1579).
Ane rower with airis 1595 Duncan App. Etym.
Remex, a rower with ane aire c1650-1700 Descr. Zetland 17.
They are most ventorious sea-men, going to sea in small boats with two rowers, &c.
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"Rowar n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 12 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/rowar>
