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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

WAFFINGER, n. Also whiffinger. A vagabond, a worthless neer-do-wel (Rxb. 1825 Jam., waff-, whiff-). Now only liter. Also in n.Eng. = stray animal.Sc. 1933 W. Soutar Seeds in the Wind 31:
There cam by a whiffinger An' whuppit him awa.

[O.Sc. vauengeour, 1493. Appar. from Waff, waif, with ending as messenger, etc.]

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