Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
¶SHEEFFIE-SHAFFIE, v., n.
I. v. To shilly-shally, make excuses for inaction, to dither, hesitate (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 154). Ppl.adj., vbl.n. sheefie-shafflean, -in.
II. n. A frivolous excuse (Ib.).
[A nonce reduplic. formation, based on Eng. dial. shaffle, to shuffle, lit. and fig. See Shaffie.]
