A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
(Skippar,) Scoupar, Skowper, n.1 Also: skouper, scoipper. [Cf. skoup(e, skowp (Skip v. 2). Cf. late ME and e.m.E. skyppare (Prompt. Parv.) one who skips or jumps, skipper (Shakesp.) applied contemptuously to a youth.] One who is always on the move from one place to another; ? a person who lacks stability or seriousness. —1558-66 Knox II 416.
The Lordschip of Abercorne … gyffin in heritage to scouparis, dansaris, and dalliaris with damis a1585 Polwart Flyt. 757 (Hart).
Land lowper, light skowper [T. scoipper, H. skouper], ragged rowper like a raven
