A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Scaff, Skaff, v. Also: scaffe; scoff. [Cf. MFlem. schaeuen to beg importunately, to sponge (Bense).] tr. and intr. To obtain (something) by begging or scrounging; to beg or ask for in a cringing, importunate or bullying manner. —tr. c1500-c1512 Dunb. Flyt. 133.
He sayis, thow skaffis and beggis mair beir and aitis Nor any cripill in Karrik land abowt 1620 in Calderwood VII 424.
I purpose not to scaffe my meete at my cheese, nor am I now to learn at Doctor Lindsay 1667 Aberd. Council Lett. IV 298.
The saids provest [etc.] … oblegis them … to caus restraine all extrainier or former touns posts to scaff or carie leters from this brughe —(b) 1689 Reg. Privy C. 3 Ser. XIV 98.
The petitioner haveing hade nothing … to live upon but what he scoffed and begged by way of charitie —intr. a1578 Pitsc. (1814) 512.
They scaffed throche all Scotland, oppressand the leall men als weill as the theiff
