A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1549-1550, 1609
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Sclaffarde, Slaffart, n. [Cf. mod. Sc. Sclaffert, etc. (SND), also Sclaff a slap, a muffed shot at golf, ‘imitative of the noise made by a flat blow’ (SND).] A blow, ? esp. one given with the open hand; a slap. Also fig. = ? something utterly worthless. — a1550 Goldin Latany 208/87.
For ane sclaffarde that thou tholit in Annas hous be ane vyle seruand a1550 Ib. 208/93.
For the fals accusacionis and lesingis that thow thollit in Cayphes hous; … For the schame, sclaffardes, and spitting in thi face 1609 Stirling B. Rec. I 123.
For vilipending of Johne Scherare baillie … saying he wald nocht gif ane slaffart for his kyndnes
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"Sclaffarde n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 14 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/sclaffarde>
