▪ I. † cofe Sc. Obs.
Also 6 coif, coff(e.
[Related to coff v. to buy; but the mode of formation is uncertain, as is also the relation of senses 1 and 2; they may be distinct derivatives. Cf. Du. koop, MHG. kouf ‘dealing, bargain, trade’; also OHG. choufo ‘dealer, merchant’.]
1. A bargain.
| 1471 Act. Audit. 12 (Jam.) The cofe made betuix her & vmquhile Johne of Brakenerig. 1480 Act. Dom. Conc. 70 (Jam.) Be resone of cofe & change made betuix the said Margret and Marioun her dochtir. |
2. A hawker or pedlar.
| a 1555 Lyndesay Peder Coffeis 10 Ane scroppit cofe..to by hennis reid-wod he rynnis. Ibid. 17 Ane swyngeor coife amangis the wyvis. Ibid. 33 Knaifatic coff misknawis him sell Quhen he gettis in a furrit goun. 15.. Aberd. Reg. (Jam.) Mispersoning the merchandis in calling of thaim coffeis. |
3. = cove, q.v.
▪ II. † cofe, cove, cof, adv. Obs.
[OE. cáfe, f. cáf adj.: see cof.]
Quickly, sharply, eagerly, promptly; soon.
| a 1000 Cynewulf Elene (Gr.) 56 Mæᵹen samnode cafe to cease. a 1175 Cott. Hom. 231 Icome sum cofer sum later. a 1250 Owl & Night. 379 He hupþ and start swiþe cove, And secheþ paþes to þe grove. c 1320 Sir Beues 1825 Now ich wolde ȝeue hit kof For a schiuer of a lof! Ibid. 1961 To þe patriark a wente cof, & al his lif he him schrof. 1340–70 Alex. & Dind. 42 Al so cof as þe king kende þe sawe. |