A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Arff(e, n. Also: airf(f. [ON. arf-r.] In Orkney and Shetland: Inheritance; the division of property among heirs. Arff-hous, the chief residence of a deceased person, at which the division of the inheritance took place.1514 Orkney & Sh. Rec. I. 256.
To be at the arff house and chemois betuix this and Alhalow evin 1562 Rec. Earld. Orkney 114.
Gyffine to hyre … in arff eftyre hyre wmquhile fathyre 1571 Ib. 130.
Comperit at the Arff hous of Nes 1597 Ib. 321.
Sure in possessioun [of the lands] … be arffe, schound, or devisioun 1603–41 Ib. 325.
His proper arffe part [of the lands] 1603 Shetland Sheriff Ct. MS. 98 b.
At the arff hous of Norbie 1616 Rogers Social Life III. 302.
Passing to the hous of Scorne to ane arff
