† ˈbaw-ˈwaw Obs.
[imitative of the sound; cf. baugh and bow-wow.]
1. The barking of a dog.
| 1576 Lambarde Peramb. Kent. (1826) 233 A Dogs barking that soundeth nothing els—but Baw waw waw. |
2. An exclamation of contempt.
| 1599 Nashe Lent. Stuffe 59 Bawwaw, quoth Bagshaw. ? c 1600 Distr. Emperor v. iii. in Old Pl. (1884) III. 247 Baw, waw, waw! Sir, trouble not your selfe. |
b. attrib. quasi-adj. Vainly or contemptibly noisy.
| 1570 Levins Manip. 45 Bawwawe spoken of one, that talketh to no purpose. 1583 Stanyhurst æneis iv. (Arb.) 108 Ne on baw-vaw tromperye descant. |