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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Taw(i)s, Tawse, n. pl. Also: tawys, -es, tause. [Taw n.² and v.¹]

1. A thong or strap.pl. 1513 Doug. vii vi 91.
As … sclentys the round tap of tre Hyt with the twynyt quhip … Quham childyr dryvis bissy at thar play … Scho smyttyn with the tawys [Sm., Ruddim. tawis; L. habena] dois rebound

b. An instrument of punishment, a leather strap divided at the end into two or more lashes, pl. in form, though chiefly sing. in concept. Also a paire of taws.(1) 1547–8 Whitelaw Sc. Arms Makers 264.
The said Gilbert sall pay ane pound valx, or else to tak ane dozen leichis [= lashes] with Sanct [pr. somat] Eloyis tawse a1585 Polwart Flyt. 57 (H).
In thy teithe bring me the tawes [T. tawis] With beckes my bidding to abid a1585 Polwart Flyt. 558 (H).
His shaven shoolders schawes the markes no dout Of tewch tairledders tyrs and other tawes [T. tawis] 1619 Perth Kirk S. 20 Dec.
[They] war taikin … to the grammer scole and scourgeit on the hippis with Sanct Barthilmewis tawis 1621 Perth Kirk S. in Lawson Bk. Perth 298.
Taws 1639 Grant Burgh Schools 198.
The schoolmaster [of Cupar] declares the fault of blooding the children not to be his] bot only be the new tawis our small maid 1658 R. Moray Lett. 301.
The tawse is the worst [that] can come to you 1683–4 Stirling B. Rec. II 325.
To the staffman for whipeing one man and tuo women throw the toune … four foddom towes for tyeing them and for the tawes 1685-8 Renwick Serm. 17.
And if … such sweet invitations will not prevail, he makes taws to whip his own to himself c1680 Bk. Pasquils 180.
Glasgow Colledge saw The juggler turn his sword to ferula. Jeingo! the tawes, Presto! begon, a mace(2) 1640 Dundonald Par. Rec. 468.
According to the qualitie of the faults the maister shall inflict punishment, streking some on the loof with a birk wand, belt or paire of taws

2. In Stirling: ? A leather noose for a hangman's rope.These may rather be further instances of Tow n.¹ (= a rope). 1675 Stirling Common Good 94.
A pair of new tawes to the hangman 1680 Stirling Common Good 143.
4 fadom small tous for the hangmans tause