Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BEFF, BAIF, n.¹ [bɛf Abd.; bèf Bch.]

1. A stroke or blow.Abd. [1768] J. Beattie Address v. in A. Ross Helenore (1778) p. vi.:
Ye've set auld Scota on her legs, Lang had she lyen, with beffs and flegs Bumbaz'd and dizzie.Bch. 1928 (per Abd.¹⁵):
Ye cud 'a h'ard tha baifs o't.

2. A swelling, the result of a blow.Abd.⁷ 1925:
Beff, a word denoting a swelling, as a beff on the cheek when the face is swollen.