Gaw

Part of speech: verb, noun

Definitions

1. A Scots dialect form of the past tense of the verb give, meaning handed over or bestowed on someone
2. In Scottish dialect, a past-tense form of give, used to describe something that was handed over or granted
3. A northern British dialect past tense of the verb meaning to hand something to another person

Etymology: Gaw is a minced oath, a clipped form of "God" used to avoid saying the full word. Oaths of this kind were common in English, where speakers softened a religious exclamation by shortening or altering its sound, so that the sentiment remained while the name of God was left unspoken. The same pattern produced related forms, such as "gosh" and "golly", which likewise stand in for "God" in exclamations of surprise or emphasis.