frow

Frow is a dialect term used in parts of Scotland and northern England to denote the act of frowning or wrinkling the brow in disapproval or concentration. As a noun, frow can refer to the resulting facial expression itself. In standard contemporary English, the word is rare and chiefly encountered in dialect writing, historical texts, or discussions of Scots language.

The usage is typically limited to descriptions of facial expressions rather than complex actions. It may appear in poetry, folklore, or regional narratives to convey mood without using the common verb "frown." Because of its regional nature, readers should not assume familiarity outside dialect contexts.

Etymology: The exact origin of frow is not well documented, but it is cognate with the common English verb frown and likely derives from the same Germanic roots that produced frown. Its continuing presence in Scots and northern dialects reflects historical variation in English spelling and pronunciation.

See also: frown, brow, Scots language, Scottish English.