Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
ATTERCAP, Addercap, n. A form less common in Sc. than Ettercap, q.v. [′ɑtərkɑp, ′ɑdərkɑp]
1. “A spider” (Jam. 1808).
2. “An ill-natured person; one of a virulent or malignant disposition” (ib.).Dmf. 1822 A. Cunningham Trad. Tales II. 207:
What can ye expect o' such an addercap as crazy Jude?Uls. 1880 W. H. Patterson Gl. Ant. and Dwn. 3:
Attercap, a cross-grained, ill-natured person. “Ya cross attercap, ya.”Uls. 1931 M. Montgomery in North. Whig and Belfast Post (11 Dec.) 13/3:
Atter-cap — one whose temper flares up for little.
3. (See quot.)Uls.2 (Armagh, Tyrone) 1929:
Attercap, a half fool; one who acts in a silly fashion.
