Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
YOOFER, n. Also yjufer (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.); yuffer, yoffer; eufer. [′jufər]
1. A young fir-tree of narrow girth, a straight fir-pole used for scaffolding; a log of wood nine feet long by nine inches wide by nine inches thick (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1974). Also yoofer log.Sh. 1754 Session Papers, Hog v. Gildart (29 Nov.) 5:
5000 Dales and 200 Yoffers, which had been safely landed out of the Ship.Sh. 1949 J. Gray Lowrie 61:
Hit wis juist twa Yuffers an' a Sastick.Sh. 1961 New Shetlander No. 58. 17:
A eufer, a hatch, or a plank in a geo.
2. A large clumsy oar not properly shaped or dressed (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., Sh. 1974).
[Also in Eng. in forms †juffer, †ufer, from Du. juffer, a long squared spar or beam of wood used in shipbuilding, etc., Ger. jungfer, jungfrau, id.]
