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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.

Thow, Thau, v. [ME and e.m.E. thow-, thou- (c1325), thawe (1530), thaw (Shakespeare), OE þawian.]

1. intr. To thaw, melt. 1460 Hay Alex. 5781.
The river … frosin as it was … nere the land was begynnand to thow 1460 Hay Alex. 5793.
And all the yse was thowand quyte away 1596 Dalr. I 46/15.
Bot gif ony frosin thing be put … in the loch … , it thowis fra hand

2. tr. To cause to thaw or melt. Also fig. 1596 Dalr. I 46/18.
Quhen horsmen cumis to Ennirnes in a gret and horrible frost … first in thay ryde into this riuer … to thow the pypes and schokles of yce frosin vpon thamefig. 1611-57 Mure Early Misc. P. viii 43.
Lat beuties beames then thau away … The ycinesse of loues delay

b. To warm up, take the chill off (something). 1629 Lowther's Jrnl. 43.]
[[The Scottish Dialect] … slay and thow the beer [warm]