sowens

American  

[soh-uhnz, soo-] / ˈsoʊ ənz, ˈsu- /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. porridge made from oat bran or husks that have been soaked in water, slightly fermented, and then boiled.

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sowens British  

/ ˈsuː-, ˈsəʊənz /

noun

1. a pudding made from oatmeal husks steeped and boiled

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Etymology

Origin of sowens

1575–85; < Scots Gaelic sùghan, derivative of sùgh sap

Example Sentences

He could have supped a huge bicker of sowens, and eaten a dozen potatoes; but of what mighty consequence is hunger, so long as it neither absorbs the thought, nor causes faintness?

From Sir Gibbie by MacDonald, George

"Grandfather told us that Burns says that sowens eaten with butter always make the Hallowe'en supper,27 so we looked up in the Century Dictionary how to make them and this is the result."

From Ethel Morton's Holidays by Smith, Mabell S. C. (Mabell Shippie Clarke)

The authorities were therefore compelled to devise some new food, and the resourceful genius of a Scotchman introduced a porridge called "sowens" to the Colonel's notice.

From South African Memories Social, Warlike & Sporting from Diaries Written at the Time by Wilson, Sarah Isabella Augusta, Lady

He can read ony language back or forrit, up or doon, as easy as suppin' sowens.

From The Lilac Sunbonnet by Crockett, S. R. (Samuel Rutherford)

Scarcely had he swallowed his twelve o'clock dinner of sowens and oatcake, when he wanted to go and dress himself for his approaching visit.

From Malcolm by MacDonald, George