A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
(Nefaring,) Nwfering, Niffer(r)-, Niffeiring, vbl. n.1 Exchanging, bartering, trading in kind.1565 Prestwick B. Rec. 69 n.
The nwfering of ane blak hors 1622-6 Bisset I. 29/20.
Thair wes than na interchange of money bot niffering of guidis, geir and cornis 1628 Dundonald Par. Rec. 163.
For his brek of the Sabbath in selling and niffering horse thairon 1637 Rutherford Lett. (1671) 159.
If it should come to niffering & bartering of lots & condition with these that are at ease in Zion 1638 Ib. (1894) 554.
It would make a sweet bartering and niffering … if I could shuffle out self and substitute Christ my Lord in place of myself 1641 Dundonald Par. Rec. 500.
For niffering on the Sabboth day with one Adam Fullartoun 1647 Falkirk Baron Ct. 24 Dec.
That he bocht the forsaid hors from William Grindley … be niffeiring with him ane vther grey hors
