Sc. [cf. F. baud white hound (Cotgr. s.v. Souillard).] Scotch titular name for a dog, esp. a large one; also for a hare.
c. 1536. Lyndesay (title), Complaint of the Kingis auld Hound callit Bagsche, directit to Bawte, the Kingis best belouit Dog. Ibid., 21. For Bawte now lyis on the kingis nycht goun.
1728. Ramsay, Gentle Sheph., II. ii. Poems (1844), 60. The devils Appearing sometimes like a black-horned cow, Aft-times like bawty.
Sc. Proverb, Bourd not wi bawtie lest he bite you.