Obs. [Possibly from LG. and Du. baffen with same meaning; but probably directly imitative: cf. yaff, and dialectal bough, buff.]
To bark or yelp as a dog; also transf. of persons.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 20. Baffyn as howndys, Baulo, baffo, latro.
1570. Levins, Manip., /9. To baffe, as a dog, latrare.
1599. Nashe, Lent. Stuffe, 37. Therewith outstept the stallfed foreman … and baft in his face. Biefe, Biefe, Biefe.
To say neither buff nor baff: see BUFF.
1542. Udall, Erasm. Apoph., 11. [Who] beeyng of him bidden good spede, saied to hym again neither buff ne baff.
1549. Latimer, Serm. bef. Edw. IV., 196. When he should have comforted Christ he was aslepe, not once buffe nor baffe to him.
