Obs. colloq. [Origin uncertain: see quot. 1725, and cf. BUFFER4.] Fellow, ‘buffer.’

1

1708–15.  Kersey, Buff … a dull Sot, or dronish Fellow.

2

1709.  Brit. Apollo, II. No. 8, 3/2. Tell me Grave Buffs, Partly Gods, partly Men.

3

1725.  New Cant. Dict., s.v., Buff, a Newgate Cant Word used in familiar Salutation: as, How dost do, my Buff?

4

1748.  Smollett, Rod. Rand. (1812), I. iv. 15. Mayhap old buff has left my kinsman here his heir.

5

1764.  Brydges, Homer Travest. (1797), II. 420. You seem afraid these buffs will flinch.

6