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.
FYAFLY, adj. Weak, feeble, limp, of persons or animals (Ork. 1929 Marw., Ork.5 1953). Also fyaflit, id.; inept, clumsy (Sh.11 1953). [′fjɑ:fle, -ɪt]
[An Ork. variant of Sh. Norn vavlet, vevlet, fumbling, feeble in movement, and of Favillo (see emended note s.v. in Suppl.). Of doubtful orig. Cf. Norw. dial. vavra, to move unsteadily, O.N. vafla, vafra, to hover.]
