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.
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 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
