Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

STAUP, v., n. Also stawp, staap. [stɑp]

I. v. To take long, awkward steps, to stride along in a heavy-footed way (Rxb. 1825 Jam., 1923 Watson W.-B., Rxb. 1971); to put the feet down in a tentative manner, as when walking in the dark (Slk. 1825 Jam.). Also in n.Eng. dial. Ppl.adj. staupin, striding clumsily; †tall, gangling (Rxb. 1825 Jam.).Rxb. 1925 E. C. Smith Mang Howes 11:
A muckle big, bang fallih that staapeet alang the Jethart road.

II. n. 1. A long awkward stride (Rxb. 1825 Jam., 1923 Watson W.-B., Rxb. 1971).

†2. A tall, awkward, gangling person.Rxb. 1825 Jam.:
Haud aff me, ye muckle lang staup.s.Sc. 1897 E. Hamilton Outlaws xxviii.:
Light down, ye young staup, and fight me afoot if you've a styme o' fizzen in your great haem-houghed body.

3. A step of a stair.Mry. 1873 J. Brown Round Table Club 157:
The staups o' the stair are sodly worn.