gliff I. \ˈglif\transitive verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology: Middle English gliffen to look quickly, glance dialect Britain: frighten II. noun (-s) Etymology: English dialect (northern) gliff, v., to look quickly, glance, from Middle English gliffen 1.chiefly Scotland a.: glimpse b.: a faint trace : suggestion 2.chiefly Scotland: a sudden fright : scare 3.chiefly Scotland: a brief moment : instant