gawsy

or gaw·sie

[ gaw-see ]

adjective

, Scot. and North England.

1. (of people) well-dressed and of cheerful appearance.
2. (of things) large and handsome.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gawsy¹

First recorded in 1710–20; perhaps variant of gaudy ¹; -sy

Example Sentences

“Ye maun come, and bring your ladye fere;   Ye sall na say me no; And ye’se mind, we have aye a bed to spare   For that gawsy chield Guizot.”

From Project Gutenberg

GAUCY, GAWSY, s. plump; jolly.

From Project Gutenberg

We put up at Widow M'Vicar's, a relation to my first wife, a gawsy, furthy woman, taking great pleasure in hospitality.

From Project Gutenberg

But Mrs M'Vicar kept a cloth shop, and sold plaidings and flannels, besides Yorkshire superfines, and was used to the sudden incoming of strangers, especially visitants, both from the West and the North Highlands, and was withal a gawsy furthy woman, taking great pleasure in hospitality, and every sort of kindliness and discretion.

From Project Gutenberg