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.
STIFLE, n.1, v. Also steyfle; stiffle (Abd. 1826 D. Anderson Poems 73).
I. n. Sc. mining usage: foul air produced by an underground fire (Sc. 1886 J. Barrownam Mining Terms 64; Fif. 1971); miner's asthma, resulting from this or from coaldust, pneumoconiosis.m.Sc. 1842 Children in Mines Report (2) 424:
Troubled with the “stifle”, or asthma.
II. v. In vbl.n. stiflin, bronchitis (Fif. 1921 T.S.D.C., steyflin, Fif. 1971).