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.
TAFFLE, v. Also taiffle. [tɑfl, tefl]
1. To handle roughly, ruffle, rumple, disarrange (Per. 1915 Wilson L. Strathearn 271, Per. 1972). Ppl.adj. taffled, ruffled, disordered. Also in Eng. dial.Dmf. 1899 Country Schoolmaster (Wallace) 370:
Her hair's a taffled — what o' that?
2. To puzzle, bamboozle, outwit (Per. 1950, taiffle).
3. To tire, wear out. Hence taffled, ppl.adj., exhausted with fatigue (Fif. 1825 Jam.). Also in Eng. dial. Adj. taifflie, thin, shoddy, of material (Slg. 1972).
[Orig. prob. imit. The forms tiffle, Tuffle, are also found with sim. meanings.]
