intj. (old).—An exclamation of contempt or derision. Hence (proverbial), ‘BAW-WAW, QUOTH BAGSHAW (the lie direct). As adj. = contemptibly noisy.
1570. P. LEVINS, Manipulus Vocabulorum, s.v.
1599. NASHE, Lenten Stuffe (Harleian Miscellany), VI. 174. All this may passe in the queene’s peace, and no man say bo to it; but “BAWWAW,” QUOTH BAGSHAW—to that which drawlacheth behinde, of the first taking of herrings there.
c. 1600. Dist. Emp., s.v.
