cluff, n. north. dial.
[perh. from claw v., with echoic modification, representing the ‘buffing’ sound; but cf. L. colaphus in same sense.]
A blow with the palm of the hand (esp. on the ear or cheek).
Hence cluff v., to strike with the palm of the hand, to cuff.
| 1804 R. Anderson Cumbrld. Ballads 104 Rob Lowson..brong snift'ring Gwordie a cluff. 1825–79 Jamieson s.v., Roxb...‘I'll cluff your lugs’. |