Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†NEEF, n., adj. Also neif, nief, kneef.
I. n. Difficulty, bother (Abd. 1801 W. Beattie Parings 12, 1820 A. Skene Poems 27, Abd.6 1913).Abd. 1748 R. Forbes Ajax 5:
I'm sure I hae nae neef To get fat cou'd be ettl'd at. By sic a mensless thief.Abd. 1824 G. Smith Douglas 67:
The words grew higher, as the men drew near, An' sae distinct, I had nae neif to hear.
II. adj. Difficult, arduous (Abd. 1808 Jam., kneef).
[Orig. obscure.]
