Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1916-1925
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CAIF, KAIF, adj. [kef]
1. Used of wild birds: “tame” (Rxb. 1802 J. Sibbald Chron. Sc. Poetry, Gloss.).Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.:
This onfa' o snaw'll make the birds caif.Rxb.(D) 1925 E. C. Smith Mang Howes an Knowes 4:
A feelin-herteet yallih-yorleen . . . cockeet eis luggie an cheepeet-in rale kaif an innerly.
2. Of a calf: “showing confidence in or fondness of man” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).Rxb. 1916 Kelso Chron. (7 April) 3/7:
A calf desiring to be fondled is said to be caif.
3. “Familiar” (Rxb. 1825 Jam.2); on intimate terms.Rxb. 1916 Kelso Chron. (7 April) 3/7:
Two people are caif (intimate).
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"Caif adj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 19 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/caif>
