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.
NUIF, adj. Also nufe, noof. Neat, spruce, tidy (Gall. 1825 Jam., 1903 E.D.D.), snug, cosy, sheltered (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 366), fig. comfortably off as regards money (Kcb.1 1900). Hence noofly, neatly, in a tidy manner. [nøf, nyf]Kcb. 1789 D. Davidson Seasons 38, 65:
The Deil, Wha said, he's noofly crown the tap o' 't Wi' stanes frae Screel . . . An' yet his wife was always bra' An' unco noof.Kcb. 1814 W. Nicholson Tales 116:
The frien'ly firs, they keep it noof, Frae Boreas' baul'est devel.
