A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Ȝape, Ȝaip(e, adj. [ME and e.m.E. ȝiepe (c1200), ȝep (Layamon), ȝeape (Ancr. R.), yepe (Cursor M.), ȝape (north., 14th c.), OE ᵹéap (ᵹeáp). Also in the later dial.]
1. Clever, cunning; shrewd, astute.a1400 Leg. S. v 318.
Of thar ydolis the bischope Aristodemus, that wes ȝape, Raisit a gret sedicione In the puple a1400 Leg. S. xli 371.
The wikit gaste Fandit hyme … Vith the brodis of lichery That hyme worth, tho he wes ȝape, Of wemen haf the fawlouschepe a1568 Bann. MS 145a/4.
Scho wes ȝaip, and tuk the kaip And of the same scho maid ane goun
2. a. Fit, active; alert; keen. b. Eager, ready (to do something).a. a1500 Henr. Age & Yowth 29.
I wes … Ane freik on fold … Als glad, als gay, als ȝung, als ȝaip as ȝe a1500 Rauf C. 628.
The ȝaip ȝeman to the ȝet is gane, Enbraissit the bandis [etc.] c1500-c1512 Dunb. Tua Mar. W. 79.
Quhen I gottin had ane grome ganest of uther Ȝaip and ȝing 1513 Doug. xii ii 88.
The byssy knapys and verlettis … full ȝaip [Ruddim. ȝape] and seruyabill 15.. Christis Kirk 121 (M).
Ane ȝaip ȝoung man … Lousit of ane schot with ireb. c1450-2 Howlat 602 (A).
Ȝaipe thocht he ȝong was to faynd his offens c1500 Rowll Cursing 205 (B).
Thair eiris neis ar lyk ane midding tyk With gaipand mowth richt ȝaip to swelly
