† rows-grayn.
Origin: Apparently formed within English, by compounding. Etymons: an element of uncertain origin, grey n.
Etymology: < a first element of uncertain origin (perhaps French roux , (feminine) rousse reddish, red-haired: see rouse adj.) + either grey n. (compare grey n. 3) or perhaps grey adj. (compare grey adj. 1c and 3). Perhaps compare Middle French (Normandy) rous gris , describing the fur-lining of a cloak (in a document of 1379; compare gris n.).Compare also:1231 Close Rolls Henry III (1905) II. 4 Unam jupam de scarletto furratam de rubeo griso [‘a coat of scarlet, furred with red grey’].
Obsolete.
rare.
1619 T. Middleton sig. D Beasts, bearing Furr..The Ounce, Rows-Gray, Ginnet.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2011; most recently modified version published online June 2019).