Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1810-1879, 1935
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BOWL, Beowl, v.2 "To crook, curve" (w.Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., obsol.; Dmf. 1825 Jam.2). [bʌul]
ppl.adj. bowl'd, beowl'd, bowlt, distorted, crooked. Superl. bowltest. See also Beuld, adj.Fif. 1879 Jam.5:
Beowl'd. Distorted, as beowl'd legs.Fif.2 1935Lnl.1 1935 Dmf. 1810 R. H. Cromek Rem. Nithsd. and Gall. Song 98:
The bowltest carlin i' the land, Gowd can make her straught an' bonnie.Rxb. 1847 J. Halliday Rustic Bard 135:
Gae, nate thy legs, sae ill-built, bowl'd, and bandy.
Hence bowled-like, adj., "having the appearance of being bowed or crooked" (Slk. 1825 Jam.2).Slk. a.1835 Hogg Tales, etc. (1837) I. 240:
When Andrew Pistolfoot used to cam stamplin in to court me i' the dark, I wad hae cried (whispering), "Get away wi' ye! ye bowled-like shurf!"
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"Bowl v.2". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 18 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/bowl_v2>
