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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

PAW, n.¹, v. Also pauw (Slk. 1825 Jam.); pa (Sc. 1802 Scott Ministrelsy II. 81); pjaw, pja(a) (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl.), pyaa. See also Pyauve. [pɑ:, pǫ:; Sh. pjɑ:]

I. n. 1. A slight movement, a feeble gesture or motion, a tiny pulsation or stirring (Sc. 1808 Jam. s.v. Pavie; Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1965). Phr. (no) to play paw, (not) to make the slightest movement, to show (no) signs of life, (not) to lift a finger (Slk. 1825 Jam.; ‡Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). In 1715 quot. the word may be rather a form of Fr. pas, a step in dancing.Sc. 1715 in Hogg Jacobite Relics (1821) II. 4:
And then in a tether he'll swing from a ladder, And go off the stage with a pa', man.Sc. a.1784 Jock o' the Side in Child Ballads No. 187 B. xiv.:
His neck in twa I wat they hae wrung, Wi hand or foot he neer playd paw.Slk. 1823 Blackwood's Mag. (March) 313:
Did ye never think that they wad be visited on your heads some day when ye couldna play paw to help yoursells?Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Der'r no a pja in him, he is quite exhausted.Sh. 1962 New Shetlander No. 63. 29:
A “batt a wind” is a peerie breeze, an a “pirr” and “pyaa” joost a braeth.

†2. A step, course of action, deed.Sc. 1708 Earls Crm. (Fraser 1876) II. 59:
Yett if this be a hard paw at present, at least great incouradgment should be given to all salt-makers.Sc. 1726 Ramsay T.-T. Misc. (1876) I. 94:
At hame with me then tarry still, And see wha can best play their paws.

II. v. To make a slight movement, stir, show faint signs of life (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1965). Cf. I. 1.Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.:
He'll never pja ony maer.Sh. 1952 J. Hunter Taen wi da Trow 31:
Even pussyfoots in Einar's time Wis aye dat foo day cudna pjaw.