ˈoff-ˌfalling Sc.
[f. off adv. + falling vbl. n.]
a. That which falls off; pl. crumbs or scraps that fall from the table; also fig. b. A falling off in health, excellence, or goodness.
| 1636 Rutherford, Lett., to Lady Kenmure (1671) i. 24 O how many rich off-fallings are in my Kings house! 1637 Ibid. (1881) 349 O that I had but Christ's odd off-fallings! a 1649 Drummond of Hawthornden Hist. Scot., Jas. I (1655) 20 Many who were accustomed to be Copartners of such off-fallings, began to storm and repine at his actions. 1825 Jamieson, Off-falling, a declension. It is often used of one who declines in health or external appearance; also in a moral sense. |
So ˈoff-ˌfaller (Sc.), one who falls off; a deserter.
| a 1688 Hamilton Let. J. Renwick in Shields Faithful Contend. (1780) 40 (Jam.) Shot at by all ranks of off-fallers from the cause of God. |