Sc. and north. [Of obscure etymology.
The sense history of STEW sb.2 and the related vb. seems to exclude the possibility of connection with those words. From the similarity of sense, the word has been supposed to be cognate with (M)Du., LG. stof, OHG. stoup (mod.G. staub), Da. støv, dust; but the phonological possibility of this has not been shown]
Suffocating vapor, stench, or clouds of dust.
1375. Barbour, Bruce, XI. 614. Sic ane stew raiss owth thame then Of aynding, bath of hors and men.
1513. Douglas, Æneis, II. x. 88. With stew, puldir, and dust mixt on this wise.
1571. H. Charteris, Lyndesay’s Wks., Pref. A iv b. Fra that fyre rais sic ane stew, quhilk struik sic sturt to thair stomokis, that thay rewit it euer efter.
1781. J. Hutton, Tour to Caves (ed. 2), Gloss. 96. Stew, when the air is full of dust, smoke, or steam.
1828. Carr, Craven Gloss., Stew, vapour, dust, an offensive smell.
1867. Goodwife at Home, xxiv. 9. I fear ye’ll sconfice wi’ the reek, An a’ the stoor an’ stew.
