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.
†CARP, v. To sing. “It most probably denotes that modulated recitation, with which the minstrel was wont to accompany the tones of his harp” (Sc. 1808 Jam.). The meaning of “speak” or “sing” has been obs. in St.Eng. since c.1570, where it was found chiefly in northern poetry (N.E.D.).Sc. 1802–1803 Lochmaben Harper in Minstr. Sc. Border (ed. Scott) I. 67:
Then aye he harped, and aye he carped Till a' the Lordlings footed the floor.Sc. 1904 Thomas Rymer in Ballads (ed. Child) No. 37 C. viii.:
“Then harp and carp, Thomas,” she said, “Then harp and carp alang wi me; But it will be seven years and a day Till ye win back to yere ain countrie.”Bwk. 1856 G. Henderson Pop. Rhymes 173:
Wi' thy gude harp! Come strike its strings, and sing and carp The kindlin' spree.
Hence carpin, “talk, talking; narrative, narration” (Sc. 1887 Jam.6). Last quot. in N.E.D. in this sense a.1400.
[O.Sc. carp, to speak, discourse, produce musical sounds (only in poetry, from 1375) (D.O.S.T.); Mid.Eng. carpe, to speak, talk (Stratmann), O.N. karpa, to boast.]
