A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Siff, Sife, v. [e.m.E. syve (1530); Sif(f n.] tr. To cause pass through a sieve; to sift. —1597 Skipper's Acc. (Morton) 16a.
For ane siff to siff our powder with all iiii Ss. a1598 Ferg. Prov. (1706) 274.
Of hypocrites … He sleeps as dogs do when wives sifes meal
