† treaf, a. Obs. dial.
Also 7 trefe.
[Etymology unknown.]
Peevish, bad-tempered.
| 1601 Dent Pathw. Heaven 389 Though her yoong suckling crie all night, and be exceeding treafe and waiward. 1627 J. Carter Plain Expos. 16 They are pronounced blessed, not who are treafe, and teachie, irefull and snappish,..but the meeke who..submit themselues vnder the mightie hand of God. 1659 Gauden Slight Healers (1660) 34 To quiet the Trefe and Wayward people. 1691 Ray S. & E.C. Words (E.D.S.), Treaf, peevish, froward, pettish, very apt to be angry. Hence 1787 in Grose Provinc. Gloss. |