howdie

American  

[hou-dee, ou-, hoh-dee, oh-dee] / ˈhaʊ di, ˈaʊ-, ˈhoʊ di, ˈoʊ di /

noun

Scot. and North England Slang.

1. a midwife.

---

Etymology

Origin of howdie

Origin uncertain

Example Sentences

I was bewildered—the light in the room made my een reel; but I soon came to myself, when I saw a man and Mrs. Kemp the howdie busy rowing something in flannel.

From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland, Volume XXIII by Wilson, John Mackay

I was at my wits' en', For Tibbie the howdie was fou, An' e'en had I got her to traivel the road What use was she mair than the soo?

From The Auld Doctor and other Poems and Songs in Scots by Rorie, David

The howdie, or midwife, was a person of much consequence.

From Personal Recollections, from Early Life to Old Age, of Mary Somerville by Somerville, Mary

The creeshie rax wi' skelpin' kaes Nae mair the howdie bicker whangs, Nor weanies in their wee bit claes Glour light as lammies wi' their sangs.

From Punch - Volume 25 (Jul-Dec 1853) by Various

There's mirth among the kin when the howdie cries "A son."

From The Proverbs of Scotland by Hislop, Alexander