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.
SWIFF, n., v. Also swuff; soof (Cai.). [swɪf, swʌf]
I. n. The motion itself or the hissing or whizzing sound made by some object flying swiftly through the air, a rush of air, a whirr, as of a wheel spinning (Lth. 1808 Jam.; Slk. 1825 Jam.; Sh., Abd. 1972); also of damp wood, wet peats, etc., burning with a soft, hissing noise on a fire (Cai. 1921 T.S.D.C., Cai. 1972, soof).Fif. 1825 Jam.:
It past by me wi' a swiff.Slk. 1875 Border Treasury (15 May) 476:
Sauntit away to the tap o' Tintock, i' the swuff o' a hawk's wing.Abd.15 1930:
It flew by wi' a gey swuff, Aw fan the swuff o't dyaun by.
2. A short spell or snatch (of sleep) (Fif. 1825 Jam.).s.Sc. 1898 E. Hamilton Mawkin xviii.:
Now, sirs, I'm for a swif of sleep.
II. v. 1. To rush through the air with a hissing noise, to whizz; †of the wind: to sweep onwards with a long-drawn-out sound, to Souch (Bwk., Rxb. 1825 Jam.).Fif. 1827 W. Tennant Papistry 57:
A cloud o' stour . . . As on it swiff'd and swirl'd mair near.Slk. 1874 Border Treasury (5 Dec.) 233:
We gaed swiffin throo the air sae fast that I maist lost my senses.
2. To breathe deeply and heavily, to sleep lightly or briefly, to snooze.Slk. 1822 Hogg Perils of Man II. 256:
Will he was swuffing and sleeping.
Phrs.: (1) swiff asleep, to get a snatch of sleep during a period of insomnia (s.Sc. 1825 Jam.). Cf. I. 2. above; (2) swiff awa, to faint, swoon, become insensible.(2) Sc. 1823 E. Logan St Johnstoun II. ix.:
I thought she was gaun to swiff awa, for she turned as white in the gills as a haddock.
