A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Paw, n.1 [Only Sc. Of unknown origin; the connection, if any, with Pavie n.1 is not clear, but the relationship may be like that of Braw a. and Brave a. Also in the later dial. in play a paw to play a trick, (not) to play paw, not to stir. Cf. also Pausis.] To play a (or one's) paw, to play a trick. — a1568 Scott xxv. 14.
Remane with me … And se quha playis best thair pawis [: fawis] — 1690 Killiecrankie in Jacob. Songs (1887) 39.
They thought the devil had been there That played them sic a paw then
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"Paw n.1". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 3 May 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/paw_n_1>
