Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
KAV, v., n. Also kaif, keff. [Sh. kɑ:v, Bch. kef]
I. v. 1. intr. Of a stormy sea: to foam in breaking, to throw up spray “when a strong gale takes hold of a breaking wave” (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928); Bch. 1916 T.S.D.C.; Sh., Abd.27 1959); 2. tr. Of the storm: to raise the sea, to throw up spray (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928); Abd.27 1959).
II. n. Of persons: a weary, heavy movement (Cai.9 1939).
[The same word as Cave, v.1, Norw. dial. kava, O.N. kafa, to dive under water, kefja, to dip, to be swamped, to sink (of a ship). Cf. Keave and Kaav(ie).]
