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.
Cuff, Cuiff, n.2 Also: cuf(fe, cwff, kuff, kuif. [e.m.E. cuffe (1570), f. cuffe v. (1530).] A blow with the open hand. (Common after 1600.)(a) 1568 Inverness B. Rec. I. 167.
The said Johne gaif the said Iames ane cwff in the myddis of the mercate 1601 State P. (Reg. H.) No. 108. 10/15.
He tuik him ane kuff 1603 Philotus cxxxv.
I sie it cummis to cuffis the man. Ile end the play that thow began 1613 Conv. Burghs II. 429.
Giff any of the merchants … gif ane vther ane cuf on the halfit, thay sall pay ane pund Fleymes 1629 Reg. Privy C. 2 Ser. III. 210.
Mr James … makis his vaunt … that he gave the messenger one kuff for … his maister's sake(b) a1585 Polwart Flyt. 122 (T).
I invey … with cuiffis thé to compell a1605 Montg. Ib. 259.
The kuif [v.r. cuiff] is weill wairit that twa home bringis 1637 Elgin Rec. I. 256.
[The assault] committit … be dinging of hir … and gewing of hir sindrie cuiffis in the schaftis
