Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
DOVEN, Dofen, v. “To become slack and feeble, numb and insensible” (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), doven, dof-); commonly found in ppl.adj. doven(e)d, 1. benumbed with cold (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl.; Ork. 1845 Stat. Acc.2 XV. 96, dovend, 1866 Edm. Gl., 1929 Marw.); 2. deafened with noise (Sh., Ork. 1866 Edm. Gl.); 3. of plants: stunted in growth (Marw.); “having lost its essential sap and become spongy, as a frosted turnip” (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.). [′do:vən, ′dof-]
[Norw. dovna, to become blunted or benumbed, to lose savour or strength; O.N. dofna, idem.]
