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

• agrouf
• on one's groof