Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

OWERFA, v. Also owrefa'. To fall over, in vbl.n. in phr. at the ower-fa'in, of things: on the point of falling down, very dilapidated (Abd., Ags. 1964); of a person: ready to faint from hunger; near the time of childbirth (Sc. 1825 Jam.). Cf. Fa, v. [′ʌuərfɑən]Abd. 1915 H. Beaton Benachie 16:
Yer fadder an' yer bridders wull be at th' ower-fai'n' by this time.Abd. 1920 A. Robb MS.:
Her hoosie bein' at the owre fa'in she was gaun ower to bide wi' her dother.