Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BACK-ROUP, v. (See second quot.) [bɑk′rʌup]Inv. 1898 H.E.F. in E.D.D.:
The person who back-roups is known as a “white-bonnet” or “puffer.”Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 216:
Back-roup, to bid at a public sale merely to bring up the price.
Hence back-roupan, vbl.n., the act of bidding as above, and back-rouper, n., the person who so bids.Abd. 1774 Abd. Jnl. (26 Dec.):
The judge was evidently a decoy duck or back rouper for their account.
