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 6 Jul 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/stowff>
