lou
lou Lexical Profile
lou Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A unisex given name, commonly used as a diminutive of Louis, Louise, or Louisa.
"Everyone in the neighbourhood knew Lou as a generous and welcoming host."
Scottish A flame, blaze, or bright glow of fire (also spelled low or lowe).
"The travellers gathered closely around the warm lou of the peat fire as night fell over the moor."
• verb
Scottish To burn brightly, flame, or blaze (also spelled low or lowe).
"Dry branches caused the hearth fire to lou brightly against the stone walls."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'lou' with the homophone 'loo' (British informal for a toilet) or 'lieu' (used in the phrase 'in lieu of', meaning 'instead of').
• Rhymes for lou
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
In Scottish usage, 'lou' (also spelled 'low' or 'lowe') derives from Old Norse 'logi', meaning 'flame' or 'blaze'. As a given name, it originated as a diminutive of Louis or Louise, from Old French and Frankish roots meaning 'famous warrior'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.