muff 2 (muf)

[Cf. D. mof, a clown, boor; from the verb.] 1. A simpleton; a stupid or weak-spirited person. [Colloq.] The Low Dutch call the High " muffes "- that is, étourdis as the French have it, or blockhead-upbraiding them with their heavine e. Sir J. Rearsby, Travels (1657). Thackeray , Lovel the Widower, i. A muff of a curate. 2. An inefficient apprentice craftsman. These boys [who have no liking for their craft] often grow up to be unskilful workmen. There are technical terms for them in different trades, but perhaps the generic appellation is muffs . 3888