Chiefly Sc. [Of exclamatory origin: cf. VOW int.]
1. An exclamation, variously expressing aversion, surprise or admiration, sorrow or commiseration, or mere asseveration.
1513. Douglas, Æneis, VI. Prol. 19. Out on thir wanderand spiritis, wow! thow cryis.
15[?]. Peblis to Play, 74 (Maitl. fol. 178). Ane winklot fell and hir taill vp; wow, quod malkin, hyd ȝow.
1721. Ramsay, Prosp. Plenty, 74. Wow! that’s braw news.
1789. Burns, Grose’s Peregr., 11. And wow! he has an unco sleight O’ cauk and keel.
1815. Scott, Guy M., xi. Wow, woman, the Bertrams of Ellangowan are the auld Dingawaies lang syne.
a. 1840. Joanna Baillie, Poems, Fy, let us a’, 16. But wow! le looks dowie and cow’d.
1892. J. Lumsden, Sheep-head & Trotters, 36.
| And as below the brig we turn— | |
| Oh, Wow! the deavin’ din there! |
b. Followed by but or gin.
1715. Ramsay, Christ’s Kirk Gr., II. 40. And wow gin she was skeigh And mim that Day. Ibid. (1724), Tea-t. Misc. (1733), I. 8. The woer he step’d up the house, And wow but he was wond’rous crouse.
a. 1800. K. Henry, x. in Child, Ballads, I. 299/1. O whan he slew his good gray-hounds, Wow but his heart was sair!
1843. J. Ballantine, Gaberlunzie’s Wallet, vi. 151. My auld uncle Willie cam doun … An’ wow but he was a braw man.
2. In other than Scottish use.
1892. Rider Haggard, Nada, v. 35. Wow! my father, of those two regiments not one escaped.
1916. J. J. Bell, Little Grey Ships, 17. ‘Wow!’ exclained the young seaman just come on deck. ‘Wish I was in Egypt. How’s this for cold, old Bill?’
