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.

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Etymology

Origin of howdie

Origin uncertain

Example Sentences

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

From The Proverbs of Scotland by Hislop, Alexander

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

And a merry mouse in a mill, With a howdie crowdie, &c. &c.

From Notes and Queries, Number 37, July 13, 1850 by Various

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

Malcolm looked about, and replied, pressing Duncan's arm, and speaking in a low voice, far less audible than his whisper, "There's naebody near, daddy—naebody but the howdie wife."

From Malcolm by MacDonald, George