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.
KNIFF, n., v. An I. and n.Sc. form, with analogical k, of Eng. slang niff. [knɪf]
I. n. A bad smell (I.Sc., Cai. 1960).Sh. 1949 J. Gray Lowrie 14:
What kind o' petril is dis it wir gotten. Man, dey wir a vild kniff wi hit.Sh. 1955 New Shetlander No. 41. 14:
Shu coodna bide da kniff o it so he took it ta da barn.
II. v. To sniff, snuffle.Abd.15 1928:
He wis aye kniff kniffin an' whazlin, bein geen te asthma.
