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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Quotation dates: 1888-1893, 1966

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STRAFF, n. A difficulty, predicament (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl.); a pother, to-do.Sh. 1888 Edmonston & Saxby Home of a Naturalist 184:
I klikkit pür Snewgie oot o his straff.
Sh. 1893 Sinclair MS. 2:
Du sees an kens da straff at 'Am atyl.
Sh. 1966 New Shetlander No. 54. 18:
Yun French limmers at du wis in siccan a straff ta hae here.

[Orig. somewhat uncertain. Phrs. an extended use of Norw. straff, punishment, of Ger. orig., or direct from Du. straf, id., trial, affliction, Ger. strafe.]

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