Sc. [Origin uncertain: it is phonetically distinct from COW sb.1, not being (kū) in any Sc. dial.] ‘A hob-goblin; a scare-crow, bugbear’ (Jam.); cf. WIRRICOW.
c. 1500. Roull’s Cursing (Jam.). And Browny als, that can play cow Behind the claith with mony a mow.
1603. Philotus, cxxvi. Gude-man quhat misteris all thir mowis? As ȝe war cumbred with the cowis.
1722. W. Hamilton, Wallace, VIII. 190 (Jam.). And Campbell kind, the good knight of Lochow, To Suthron still a fearfull grievous cow.
1728. Ramsay, Anacreontic, 15. And he appear’d to be nae kow, For a’ his quiver, wings, and bow.
1832–53. Whistle-Binkie (Sc. Songs), Ser. I. 56. O what a brow has Betty! O sic a cowe is Betty!… Sae baleful is the power o’ Betty.
