▪ I. gawf, n. Sc.
(gɔːf)
Forms: 6 gawf(e, gaufe, 7 gaff.
[Onomatopœic.]
A loud noisy laugh; only in phrase to give a gawf. Also gawf (of) laughter.
| 1500–20 Dunbar Poems lxxv. 22 ‘Tehe’, quod scho, and gaif ane gaufe [v.r. gawf]. a 1572 Knox Hist. Ref. Wks. 1848 II. 67 Sche gaif ane gawfe of lauchter, and said, ‘Now will I go’. Ibid. 404 Sche first smyleit, and efter gaif ane gawf lauchter. 1678 Sinclair Satan's Invis. World 88 The Devil gave a great gaff of laughter. |
▪ II. gawf, v. Sc.
(gɔːf)
Also gaff, gauf.
[Connected with prec.]
intr. To laugh noisily.
| 1719 Ramsay Ep. to Hamilton iii. 77 Gaffin they wi' sides sae sair [etc.]. 1721 ― Elegy on Patie Birnie 2 The famous fidler of Kinghorn, Who gart the lieges gawff and girn ay. |