A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1500-1610
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Vow, Wow, v.2 [ME and e.m.E. vouwe (c1330), vowe (Manning), vow (1590), aphetic f. Avow v.2] tr. a. To own, acknowledge (something). Also const. clause object. b. To assert or prove one's right to (property). = Avow v.2 1 b. c. To affirm ((the truth of) something) before a court, to verify (something) in court. —a. a1568 Scott vi 38.
Suld I presome this sedull schaw, … I dar nocht preis hir to presentit, For be scho wreth I will not wowit [= vow it] a1605 Montg. Ch. & Slae 872 (Wr.).
Ye have no feele for to defyne Though yee have cunning to decline A man to bee a moole; With little work yet yee may vowde [= vow it, see ‘D] To grow a gallant horse and good, To ride thereon at Yoole 1600-1610 Melvill 71.
They decern Alexander … for his wrang to cum … to crave … forgiffnes. This being notefied to Alexander, he malings, and vowes ther sould be graitter cause maid or anie forgiffnes cravit —b. c1500 Barounis Lawis 8b.
It lyis to the followay to say quha wowis this gud and gif ony clamis to warand that gude he sall haue day to bring his warand; and thane sall the followar hameald his gude —c. 1523 Dundee B. Ct. I 153b (29 July).
Alexander Lovell and James Wedderburn balȝeis befor the said assis wowit the command gevyn to the sergeandis to ger pund the geir of James Ernwenis
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"Vow v.2". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 29 Aug 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/vow_v_2>
