Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
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.

BISHOP, n.¹ and v.

1. n.

(1) An instrument for ramming down stones and earth (Abd. 1962 H. Diack Boy in Village 147, Abd. 1975).Bnff.(D) 1924 “Knoweheid” in Swatches o' Hamespun 83:
An' a bishop te pang The fires o' hell wi' the ablich crood.Abd. 1825 Jam.²:
Bishop. A weighty piece of wood, with which those who make causeways level their work.n., central Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B. 57:
Bishop. A “pounder” for beating down earth.

(2) The pellucid limpet, Patina pellucida (Ork. 1954 Ork. Miscellany II. 57).

2. v. To use the instrument described in 1.(1) above.

(1) lit.Abd.(D) 1900 C. Murray Hamewith 14:
Ye'll find for ane willin' to bishop A score sittin' ready to pech.

(2) fig.Abd. 1930 D. Campbell Kirsty's Surprise 21:
We maun aye keep the wee lichtie burnin' in oor he'rts, Peter, an' bishop doon oor sorrow wi' a smile.