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.
TRIFFLE, n.1, v. Also triffell, trefle. Dim. trifflie, -y. Sc. forms and usages of Eng. trifle, a small amount, an insignificant article, etc., in ne.Sc. esp. of a small amount of money saved up (Bnff. 1773 V. Gaffney Lordship Strathavon (S.C.) 89, triffell; Rxb. 1821 A. Scott Poems 110, Abd. 1871 W. Alexander Johnny Gibb x., Lth. 1888 D. Carmichael Cosietattle 33, Abd. 1936 D. Bruce Cried on Sunday 16, 1965 Huntly Express (31 Dec.) 2, trifflie, ne.Sc., Edb., Ayr. 1973).
[The form triffle is found in Eng. from the 14th to the 18th c. O.Sc. trefell, from 1547.]
