An archaic or dialect term meaning to become drowsy or to fall into a stupor, possibly related to drinking or intoxication.
Origins unclear; possibly related to Middle English or dialect words for drowsiness. May be connected to 'duff' (to strike or confuse) or Scandinavian roots meaning to become numb or dazed. The exact etymology remains uncertain in modern dictionaries.
This wonderfully obscure word shows how English once had dozens of specific words for being tired or intoxicated—words that have mostly disappeared as we've standardized the language. Medieval and dialect speakers were incredibly precise about states of consciousness!
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