Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BOUFF, Bowf, n.3 “A dull big person” (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 15; Bnff.2, Abd.22 1935).
Hence bouffin, “a big stout person. It conveys a slight notion of contempt and ill-will. The augmentative of bouff” (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 15); “a clumsy person” (Bch. 1935 (per Abd.9). bowfin').
[Fr. bouffe, a puffing out: It. buffare, to puff (Diez Romance Dict.); hence anything that is puffed up — i.e. large and empty.]
