Obs. rare. [Identical with Walloon boie, in OSp. boya, It. boja executioner: Diez thinks it may be a transf. use of boja, boia, OF. buie, boye fetter, chain.] An executioner, a hangman.
c. 1320. Seuyn Sag., 503. ‘Blethliche!’ the boies quathe. Ibid., 960. He het mani a wikke boie His son lede toward the hanging.
