Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1953-1969
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STOWFF, v., n., adv. Also stowf, stouf(f). [stʌuf]
I. v. To walk with a slow, dull, heavy step, to stump or plod along (Bnf. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 184; Mry., Bnf., Abd. 1971).ne.Sc. 1953 Mearns Leader (13 Nov.):
As Molie stouf't, stouf't, awa doon the road.Mry. 1969 L. G. Rich White Rose of Druminnor 9:
In sna' she'd stowff a dizzen mile.
II. n. A dull, heavy-footed gait, the sound of a slow, heavy tread (Bnf. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 184), a leisurely walk, a stroll (Bnf., Abd. 1971); a slow, stupid person (Gregor).Abd. 1955 W. P. Milne Eppie Elrick xx.:
Haein a bit stowff roon 'e Fishertoon wi ma hans i' ma pooches.
III. adv. With a dull, heavy step or tread (Gregor).
[Orig. prob. imit., with influence from Dowf, Gowf, Howf, n.2 and Stodge, Stog, Stoy, etc.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Stowff v., n., adv.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 12 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/stowff>
