on grouf

Scots

Etymology

A set phrase consisting of on + grouf. Cognate with Middle English o grufe, Icelandic á grúfu (“face down”).

Adverb

on grouf (not comparable)

(Middle Scots, obsolete) face-down
(Middle Scots, obsolete, by extension) grieving
- 15th century, Henryson, The Testament of Cresseid (361-362):
  
  Madame, your father biddis yow cum in hy: he hes merwell sa lang on grouf ye ly ..
  Madam, your father bids you come quickly: he marvels that you lay so long in grief ..

Derived terms

agrouf
on one's groof

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