How'dy, n.

n. [Scot., also houdy wife. Cf. O. Sw. jordgumma, midwife, for jodgumma, from Icel. jōd, offspring, and Sw. gumma, an old woman; or perhaps ludicrously formed from how d' ye, this generally being the first question directed by a midwife to a lying-in woman.] A midwife. [Prov. Eng.]