Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†CAPILOWE, CAPPILOW, v.
1. To outdistance anyone in shearing, reaping, etc. Given as obs. in Watson Rxb. W.-B. (1923).Rxb. 1808 A. Scott Poems 101:
Let's try to keep in sight the fray, Or faith they'll capilowe us, I dread this day.Rxb. 1825 Jam.2:
One, who gets a considerable way before his companions on a ridge, is said to cappilow them. In an old game the following phrase is used: “Kings, Queens, Cappilow.”
2. “Also held as a term of contempt” (Rxb. 1808 A. Scott Poems 101, Note).
[Origin uncertain. Cap- has been referred to Eng. cap, to outdo, surpass, and also to O.N. kapp, a contest.]
