A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1558-1662
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Scoff, Scoiff, Skoffe, Skuf(f, Skwff, n. [ME and e.m.E. skof, scof(f (14th c.); of doubtful origin, but perhaps f. Scand. Cf. early mod. Dan. skof, skuf jest, mockery, skuffe to jest, mock, etc. Cf. also OFris. schof mockery (once).] a. An instance of mockery; a jest; a scoffing comment. b. An object of ridicule or contempt. —a. 1558-66 Knox I 47.
The bischope was heightly offended, asweill at the skwff [v.r. skoffe] and bitter mock, as at the bold libertie of that learned man 1558-66 Ib. II 297.
Albeit ye think that scoiff propir, yit as it is most untreu, so is it most improper 1596 Dalr. II 188/26.
Doubtles gif we returne, we sal vndirly a perpetual skuf and shame ?1662 Postscript for Lysimachus Nicanor 11.
The thrawing of holy Scriptures unto your wicked scoffes at the gracious servants of God —b. 1640 Mure II 14/382.
Then … thou reviles That sacred name, and … makes of it a sesam, a skuff, a sport
