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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BEFFAN, BEFFIN, n. (See quots.) [′bɛfən, ′bɛfɪn]n.Sc. 1898 W.G. in E.D.D.:
Beffan has a somewhat intenser meaning than beff [n.2].Bnff. 1866 Gregor D.Bnff. 10:
Beffin. A very stout, stupid person.Bnff.2 1933:
The foreman at Tappacks wiz a muckle fat beffan, as eeseless as he wiz big.

[From Beff, n.2 + an, in, reduced form of O.E. suff. ing = one having the quality of. Cf. Littlan, a little one, O.E. lȳtling, a child.]

2355

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