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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Quotation dates: 1898

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PERFAIN, v. Sc. form and usage of Eng. profane. To speak in a profane and irreligious manner, to swear. Obs. in Eng. in 17th c.Sh. 1898 Shetland News (5 Nov.):
Mansie, is doo fa'n a fule, is doo mindin' 'at der a jantleman at da fire? What's doo perfainin' fer?

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