Obs. exc. dial. [prob. onomatopœic: cf. PUFF v., and BUFF sb.1, also F. bouffer in its various senses, and OF. buffer ‘souffleter’ (Godef.). Sense 1 has app. no connection with 3, exc. as both may arise in different ways from some of the characteristics of a broad puff of wind, and its associated sound.] Hence Buffing vbl. sb., and ppl. a.
1. intr. a. To speak with obstructed and explosive utterance, to stutter. b. To explode or burst into a laugh, or the like.
1297. R. Glouc., 414. Of speche hastyf, Boffyng, & mest wanne he were in wraþþe.
1398. Trevisa, Barth. De P. R., II. viii. (1495), 55. As I maye, though it be stamerynge and buffynge.
1611. Cotgr., Esclaffer, to buff, or burst, out into a laughter.
Mod. Sc. He buft out into a laugh.
2. trans. To cause to burst out by sudden force.
a. 1637. B. Jonson, Loves Welc. at Welbeck (R.). A shock To have buff’d out the blood From ought but a block.
3. intr. To act and sound as a soft inflated substance does when struck, or as the body does which strikes it.
a. 1550. Christis Kirke Gr., xi. He hit him on the wame a wap It buft lyk ony bledder.
1881. Leicestersh. Words (E. D. S.), s.v., When an axe or hatchet strikes without cutting, which is sometimes the case … with unsound wood, it is said to ‘buff.’
4. intr. and trans. To strike a soft inflated body (with the characteristic effect and sound).
1600. F. Walker, Sp. Mandeville, 64 b. The furious buffing together of windes, when they meete.
1785. Burns, Twa Herds, xiii. A chiel wha’ll soundly buff our beef.
