Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

CLAMP, Klamp, v.², n.² Cf. Clamper, n.², v.³

1. v. To patch; “to make or mend in a clumsy manner” (Sc. 1808 Jam., clamp up; Bnff.², Abd.², Abd.⁹ 1940). Used fig. in quot.Sh.(D) 1916 J. J. H. Burgess Rasmie's Smaa Murr, Iktober 27:
Reform clamps aald breeks; bit revolution maks new eans.

2. n. A patch of cloth or wood (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.; 1908 Jak. (1928), klamp); “a mend or patch on woodwork, e.g. on side of a boat” (Ork. 1929 Marw.). Known to Bnff.² 1940.Sh.(D) 1891 J. J. H. Burgess Rasmie's Büddie 33:
Fifty times I'm clampit mi aald troosers Till no anidder clamp dey'll hadd ava.