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.
Behufe, Behuif, n. Also: behuf, behwf, behuffe, behuife, behuiff, behoif. [Northern ME. byhufe, late ME. byhoff, behoufe, e.m.E. behoof (e, OE. *behóf (= OFris. bih*om.f, Du. behoef, etc.) or *behófe: see Behove.]
1. (One's) advantage, benefit, or use.(a) 1375 Barb. xv. 517.
He … held no thing till his behuf 14.. Acts I. 9/2.
The kyngis iustice sal … kepe his body to the kyngis behuffe 1456 Hay I. 170/22.
Otheris that ar … in gude estate to the saule behufe c1475 Wall. ii. 224.
Sum happy chance may fall for your behuff a1500 Henr. Fab. 1663.
All creature he maid for the behufe of man 1513 Doug. iv. viii. 5.
Quhidder haistis he sa fast from hys behufe 1522–3 Prestwick B. Rec. 50.
To pay the said Sir Wilȝame to the behwf of Angnes Tailȝour a1568 Scott x. 42.
Scho is my lufe; At hir behufe My hairt is subiect 1583 Misc. Spald. C. II. 339.
To the behufe of the barneis of Andro Erle of Errole(b) 1535 Stewart 19127.
Gif ȝe think it be for ȝour behuife 1560 Carte Northberwic 78.
To the behuiff of the said Ionet a1568 Scott xxxvi. 82.
Gloir to the Sone for our behoif 1584 St. A. Test. II. 40 b.
His said thrid part … [sal] cum to his bairnis behuif 1601 Wemyss Chart MS.
The said soume is hoilly convertit to my use and behuiff
2. Respect, regard, intent.c1500-c1512 Dunb. xlvi. 57.
Nocht to that behufe Put God sic bewty in a ladeis face 1531 Bell. Boece I. 72.
Nocht to that behuffe, that thay suld leif in seditioun
