Sc., Ulster, and U.S. local. Also 9 striffion, striffan, -in, etc. (see Eng. Dial. Dict.). [Of obscure origin.] A thin membranous film; a thin skin or membrane.
a. 1612. Lowe, Chirurg. (1634), 142. The fourth [membrane] is called Arnoides, it is very white and delicate, like unto the thinne striffen of an ynzoin or Spiders webbe.
1802. M. Cutler, Life, Jrnls. & Corr. (1888), II. 71. A pie called macaroni, which appeared to be a rich crust filled with the striffions [printed strillions] of onions.
1824. Mactaggart, Gallovid. Encycl., 397. Low poor fallow now ye be, Wi’ strifian white drawn owre thy e’e.
1836. Shetld. Jrnl., in Chamb. Edin. Jrnl., 31 Dec., 388/2. The interior membrane, or, to speak in our own dialect, the black striffin, left in the lugs of the fish.
