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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Chap, v. Also: chappe, chape, chaip; schap. [Later form of Chop v., with normal change of o to a before p.]

1. tr. To strike or touch with a light blow. Also fig. with up. a1568 Scott iv. 67.
Sum monebrunt madyis myld, … Ar chappit vp with chyld 1573 Sat. P. xlii. 831.
Thay will be chappit on the cheik 1623 Crim. Trials II. ii. 537.
Scho chaipit him on the schulder, saying, Go thy way! 1633 Douglas Chart. 329.
His Maiestie … did dubbe and knight thame, … be chapping thame with the sword of honour 1638 Kirkcaldy Presb. 132.
When he told her that his pain was in his head and his face, she chapit ay his face with the clout

b. To shake (hands) in friendship or in confirmation of a bargain. 1605 Crim. Trials III. 20.
Thairefter come to him euerie man, particularlie, chapping handis 1629 Reg. Privy C. 2 Ser. III. 118.
Whairupoun they chapped hands and were reconciled 1657 Balfour Ann. II. 42.
Hartily chapen hands, and mutually embracing one ane other

2. intr. To knock, rap, esp. at a door. a1578 Pitsc. I. 281/34.
Bischope James Bettone ansuerit him … , schapin [v.r. choppin] on his breist Ib. 282/2.
Quhen Mr Gawin had hard how … he chappit on his breist 1583 Wemyss Corr. 101.
Rob Ovak … sayis thair was money that chappit on vther albakkis, and lykit litill of that speikin 1591 Edinb. D. Guild Acc. 436.
Ane knock to the stepill dure with … ane naill to chap on 1600-1610 Melvill 325.
M^r Andro Melvill, … chapping at the chalmer dure, … comes in Ib. 700.
The Archbisschope smylling, and chapping on his arme, said, ‘Tush, man’ 1653 Glasgow B. Rec. II. 272.
Boyes … who troubles his dowes be chapping … on the said [dowcat] doire 1682 Kennedy-Lauderdale Lett. 49.
I must chap with my heell on the ground 1687 Reg. Privy C. 3 Ser. XIII. 172.
Iean Glencorse came … and chaped att my doorfig. 1600-1610 Melvill 630.
As it sall please God to chape upon him, and call him out thairto 1644 11th Rep. Hist. MSS. App. vi. 55.
Thair is nothing heir serten bot deith … ; and leist that I should be chapit at on ane soudentie [etc.]

b. Of a clock or hour: To strike. 1597 Perth Kirk S. 229.
No sooner as the hour chaps, an great number of the people rise to depart 1695 S. Leith Rec. 180.
That … they be att the churchyard before two hours chap in the clock of South Leith