A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1611-1667
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Striffen, Striphen, n. [OIr. srebann, Gael. streabhon, streafon.] A thin film or membrane. — a1612 Lowe Chirurgerie (1634) 142.]
[The fourth [membrane] is called Arnoides, it is very white and delicate, like unto the thinne striffen of an ynȝoin or spiders webbe 1638 Henderson Serm. 399.
There is … skin upon the ear, as there is upon the heart, even a striffen, as it were, … that he cannot hear the word of God 1665–7 Lauder Jrnl. 112.
After ye have lift your hand out of the water ere ye dip it in again it was al covered with a thin striphen ice
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"Striffen n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 13 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/striffen>
