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.
Quotation dates: 1880-1931
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GLUFFUS, n. Also gluffis, -as, -ice, -ace; †glafos, †gloffus (Jak.). A rough, uncouth person of noisy, foolish or light-headed behaviour, often referring to one of ugly or unprepossessing appearance (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., gluffis; Cai. 1907 D. B. Nicolson in County of Cai. 73; Ork. 1922 J. Firth Reminisc. 151, 1929 Marw., gluffis; Sh., Ork., Cai. 1954); “one so ugly to cause fright” (Cai. 1900 E.D.D.). Also attrib. [′glʌfəs]Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 86:
The gluffus that cinno write i' Latin should write i' breed Scotch.Ork. 1908 Old-Lore Misc. I. viii. 318:
Ye buist blame that Shetlan' gluffas — Tamson — for pitten me doon withoot me leave.Ork. 1931 J. Leask Peculiar People 124:
Dat gocked dem, an' da boys cam oot — da gluffices dat dey waar.
