dowie

or dow·y

[ dou-ee, doh-ee ]

adjective

, Scot. and North England.

1. dull; melancholy; dismal.

Other Words From

• dowi·ly adverb
• dowi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dowie¹

1500–10; variant of dolly, equivalent to dull + -ly

Example Sentences

And, a competent person being needed to take charge of the linen, "Dowie" would go to live under the same roof.

From Project Gutenberg

Robin's lonely little heart opened to her new nurse, who became in time her "Dowie."

From Project Gutenberg

The Duchess asked me to see you personally and make sure that you do not miss Dowie too much—that you are not lonely.

From Project Gutenberg

I have a quiet place in a remote part of Scotland where you can live with Dowie to take care of you.

From Project Gutenberg

He didn't say it in so many words, of course, but as Dowie listened it was exactly as if he said it in gentleman's language.

From Project Gutenberg