A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1610-1676
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(Triffill,) Trifle, v. P.t. and p.p. triffled, triffelit. [ME and e.m.E. (bi)trufle (Ancr. R.), tryfulle (c1430), triful (a1450), tryfle (1523), trifle (1573-80), OF tru(i)ffler.] tr. a. To treat disrespectfully, make light of. b. To pass (time) idly, to waste. c. To trifle it, to act in a frivolous manner, behave without due seriousness. —a. c1610 Melville Mem. 337.
Albeit his maiestie was determinit to trait them weill … they wer nevertheles mishandled, ruffeled, triffelit, drifted and delayed heir … to ther gret charges and miscontentment —b. 1642 Baillie II 3.
Finding that I triffled much good tyme —c. 1676 Welsh Gospel Summonds 23.
God calls us to be serious, and no to trifle it, till we get our business done
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"Triffill v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 5 Apr 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/triffill_v>
