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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

†FREFF, adj. Shy (Rxb. 1825 Jam.); cold, distant, in manner (Fif. Id.; Bwk. 1916 T.S.D.C. II.). Cf. Frath. Also explained as “intimate” (Rxb. 1825 Jam.).s.Sc. 1897 E. Hamilton Outlaws ix.:
The Yarrow lasses is na sae freff, no, nor the wives either.

[Prob. an assimilated form, with metathesis, of Thairf, reluctant, shy, Eng. dial. tharf, id., slow, stiff, lumpish, O.E. þeorf, unleavened, of bread. For f < th see F, 1.]

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