Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
STEFE, n. Also dim. forms stevie (Crm. 1921 T.S.D.C.), styfie (Nai. Ib.), stiffie. A broad vertical bar of light across the moon or sun, a sign of bad weather (Mry. 1914 Trans. Bnff. Field Club 25; Abd. 1951, stiffie).Abd. 1926 Bulletin (29 July):
Early on Sunday morning a “stiffie” was seen across the moon, at Buchanness.
