dowie

American  

[dou-ee, doh-ee] / ˈdaʊ i, ˈdoʊ i /

Or dowy

adjective

Scot. and North England.

1. dull; melancholy; dismal.

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Other Word Forms

• dowily adverb
• dowiness noun

Etymology

Origin of dowie

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

Example Sentences

"Ye'll no put on the dowie black,35 Nor yet the dowie brown; But ye'll put on the robes o' red, To sheen thro' Edinbruch town."

From English and Scottish Ballads (volume 3 of 8) by Various

It is certain, however, that he became convinced that a bachelor's life was at best a dowie one; and there was another consideration that had considerable weight with him.

From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland Volume 16 by Various

He rode up yon high hill, An’ down yon dowie glen; The roaring o’ Clyde’s water Wad hae fleyt ten thousand men.

From Ballads of Scottish Tradition and Romance Popular Ballads of the Olden Times - Third Series by Sidgwick, Frank

"O that is a gift, but a dowie gift, Now, Annie, thou winsome may;90 Ye maun gi'e her your best goud girdle, Her gude will for to ha'e."

From English and Scottish Ballads (volume 3 of 8) by Various

"I'll no put on the dowie black, Nor yet the dowie brown;40 But I'll put on the robes o' red, To sheen thro' Edinbruch town."

From English and Scottish Ballads (volume 3 of 8) by Various