Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†HOWF, n.2 A powerful blow, specif. “a severe blow on the ear, given with a circular motion of the arm” (Rxb. 1825 Jam.), a swipe. Also houf.Ags. 1887 J. M. M'Bain Arbroath 122:
The tremendous double blow given and required for every thread of weft driven in, these blows being doubled in force by the awful “houf” of the pale-faced weaver as he stood straight up on the treadles to have all the more force of both feet and hands.
