Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1721
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OFF-FALLING, n.
1. A decline, falling off, as in health and appearance, or in morals (Sc. 1825 Jam.).
2. In pl.: scraps, crumbs, rejects, things thrown aside. Cf. Aff-fa'ins.Sc. 1721 J. Kelly Proverbs 348:
Where there are Gentles, there is ay offallings. Spoken jocosely to our Children, when they have forgot something where they were last; as their Gloves, Knives, etc.
