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.
Quotation dates: 1752
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†SHAFFIE, n., adj. Also shaffy.
I. n. A frivolous excuse (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 154). See also Sheefie-Shaffie.
II. adj. Prevaricating, shifty, inclined to seek excuses, evasive.Sc. 1752 Session Papers, Scott v. Dantzy and Wallington (3 Jan.):
Mr Wilson was a shaffy sort of Man, for which Reason he did not choose to have his Bill presented to him before his Letter of Advice should come to Hand.
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"Shaffie n., adj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 4 Aug 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/shaffie>
