Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

HESP, n.¹, v.¹ Also esp. (Rs. See P.L.D. § 150). Sc. forms and usages of Eng. hasp, a catch or clasp. See P.L.D. § 48. 1. (1).

I. n. 1. In Sc. phrs.: (1) to be buckled wi' ae hasp, to be no better than one's associates, to be tarred with the same brush, to be birds of a feather (I.Sc., Cai., Kcb. 1957); (2) hasp and staple, Sc. Law: the symbols of infeftment used in entering an heir to property held in burgage tenure (see Burgage). Obs. since the Conveyancing (Scot.) Act, 1874.(1) Ayr. 1889 H. Johnston Glenbuckie 211:
It seems the Courts o' Parliament are no ae bit better than the Lords o' Session. They are a' buckled wi' ae hasp.(2) Sc. 1734 J. Spotiswood Hope's Practicks 323:
The Bailie of the Burgh, with his Clerk, and the necessary Witnesses, being met at the Tenement whereof Seisin is to be given . . . causes the apparent Heir take hold of the Hasp and Staple of the Door, and make[s] him enter the House, and bolt the Door upon himself.Sc. 1896 W. K. Morton Law Scot. 423:
The heir presented to the Bailies of the Burgh a formal Claim, whereupon one of them proceeded to the subjects claimed, and upon the spot held an inquiry or inquest as to the propinquity of the claimant, and, if satisfied, give sasine to him . . . by the symbols of earth and stone of the ground, and hasp and staple of the buildings.

2. The ring on the top of the bowsprit cap through which the jib boom runs (Rs. 1911, esp; Rnf. 1957).

3. A metal hook on a cart-shaft to which the traces are attached (Fif. 1957).

4. “The name of a spring on a reel, which signals the instant a hank . . . has been wound on to the measuring wheel” (Abd.¹¹ c.1920). See note to Hesp, n.²

II. v. To fasten with a hasp, to fix (Sc. 1808 Jam.). Gen.(exc. I.)Sc. Also fig.Gall. 1742 Session Bk. Penninghame (1933) II. 397:
She desired said Robert to hesp the door behind him.Ayr. 1847 Ballads Ayr. (Paterson) ii. 61:
And whiles the purse that's hespet steeve, Tines a' its gatherings oot.