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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

PEEP, n.¹, v.¹ Sc. usages:

I. n. 1. A tiny point or bead of light, a little jet of flame, a Peek, freq. of a gas-jet. Phr. to pit the (one's) gas at or in a peep, to reduce the pressure of a gas jet to the lowest point at which it will remain ignited; fig. of a person: to put one in his place, administer a snub or rebuff, “squash”, “deflate”. Gen. (exc. I.)Sc.Fif. 1865 St. Andrews Gaz. (15 April):
It is hard that one can't reach the best public well the city has for the want of a little peep of gas.Sc. 1882 Stevenson New Arab. Nights (1906) 250:
There was no light . . . but a little peep from a lamp.wm.Sc. 1923 H. Foulis Hurricane Jack 55:
She lit the gas and turned it down to a peep.Gsw. 1957 Bulletin (24 May) 12:
Wait till I leave the gas on a peep.Ags. 1990s:
"That's pit YOUR gas doon tull a peep!": "That's taken the wind from your sails!" Abd. 1992 Press and Journal 10 Oct :
"Well, I wis furious. I went ben til her and I says: 'Aggie!' I says. 'Don't you let that happen again! Ye ken fine I dinna like deein the dishes in caul water!' That put her gas at a low peep." Sc. 2000 Herald 27 Mar 15:
As long ago as last week, oxygen bars were being much vaunted as the only way to get truly vented. These palaces of purity were to be the last word in how to be a fun person while also having a squeaky clean lifestyle. Until water came along and put their gas at a peep, that is. Now it transpires you can actually overdose on too much fresh air, whereas water can do no wrong. Sc. 2000 Herald 25 May 4:
The Very Rev John Cairns was close this year to getting one of the annual General Assembly speakers best and greatest awards (Gas Bag), but owing to his unkind remarks about the media we are putting his gas at a peep.

2. A small opening, a little aperture or crack (Sh., Ags., Uls. 1965).Sc. 1825 Lamkin in Child Ballads No. 93. B. iii.:
At the sma peep of a window Balankin crap in.

II. v. As in Eng., but with extended sense = to make a (small) appearance or show.Lth. 1894 M. Oliphant Who was Lost vi.:
His auld things! — that wouldna peep upon him, the man he is now.