Definition of "dowd" [dowd]

• Dead; flat; spiritless.
• A woman's nightcap. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "A rare marsh dowd, which is normally found in Madeira, has been identified on the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust's Martin Mere reserve in Lancashire."
• "Such a little dowd as she appeared this morning -- and now!"
• "She nodded at her reflection and went downstairs; the desire to impress Dr Eijsinck with the knowledge that she was no penniless dowd working powerfully within her."