A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
*(Harp-,) Herpon, n. (? Cf. e.m.E. harpings pl. (1658) the forward part of the wales at the bow of a ship which are fastened to the stem and of extra strength: ME. harpoun (1400–2) ? id., OF. harpon clamp, cramp, and cf. F. herpe the rail at the head of a ship.) —1589–1600 Skipper's Acc. (Morton) 53 a.
For saueing of our herpoins, four herpons of the drycht xx s.
