A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Swip(p)ir, adj. Also: swippyr, -er, swypper, swypir, suyper, swepyr. [ME and e.m.E. sweper, swiper (both Trevisa), swypir (Hoccleve), swipper (1674), OE swipor, crafty. Also in the later dial.] Quick, nimble. Also suyper and swift, and const. to do (something). —a1400 Leg. S. vii 514.
Thane Josaphus, as a wicht man & swepyr alswa, a swerd gat 1513 Doug. vi v 20.
Charon … All thocht he eildit was, or step in age, Als fery and als swippir as a page 1513 Doug. xii xii 146.
Bot than the swypir [Sm. swipir] Tuscan hund assays And nerys fast 1535 Stewart 16917.
Ane hound he had … Suyper and swyft, and in all game rycht gude —1513 Doug. xii xiii 147.
Jove ane of thir [sc. the Furies], full swipper [Sm. swippyr, Ruddim. swypper] to discend, Furth of the hevin … hes send
