Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

CHEEPER, Cheiper, n. [′tʃipər]

1. “The cricket, an insect; denominated from the noise it makes” (Lth. 1808 Jam., cheiper; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).Lth., Rxb. 1825 Jam.²:
When cheepers come to a house, it betokens good luck.

‡2. “The bog Iris; so called, because children make a shrill noise with its leaves” (Rxb. 1825 Jam.²; 1923 Watson W.-B., obsol.), Iris pseudacorus.

3. The meadow pipit, Anthus pratensis (Fif.¹ c.1880). Also in n.Eng. dial. (E.D.D.). Cf. Cheepart, n., 1, above.