on grouf

Middle Scots

Etymology

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

Adverb

on grouf

  1. face-down
  2. (by extension) grieving
    • 15th century, Robert Henryson, The Testament of Cresseid, pages 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

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