daff

¹

[ daf ]

verb (used without object)

, Scot. and North England.

1. to make sport; dally; play.

daff

²

[ daf ]

verb (used with object)

1. Archaic. to turn or thrust aside.
2. Obsolete. to doff.

daff

¹

/ dæf /

noun

1. See daffodil
   informal.
   short for daffodil

daff

²

/ dɑːf /

verb

1. intr to frolic; play the fool

Word History and Origins

Origin of daff¹

1525–35; v. use of daff (obsolete) a fool, Middle English daffe (noun); daft

Origin of daff²

First recorded in 1590–1600; alteration of doff

Word History and Origins

Origin of daff¹

C16: from obsolete daff fool, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

No that the King is sair to live with either, so that he can eat and drink and daff, and be let alone to take his ease.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Daff, however, offered the best apology for his absence that could be made.

From Project Gutenberg