Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CLAMP, Clamph, n.4, v.4 [klɑmp, klɑmf]
1. n. A piece of spiked iron fastened to the sole of the shoe by a strap across the instep, worn by curlers to prevent slipping (Fif.10 1940; Ayr. 1936 Kilmarnock Standard (26 Dec.), clamph; s.Sc. 1898 E.D.D.); cf. Claff, n.1 (2), and Cramp, n.2, 1; “a spiked iron protector fastened to the toe or heel of a boot or shoe. The heel-clamp often had holes in it and was nailed on” (Ags.17 1940).Ags. 1866 R. Leighton Poems (1869) 314:
The clamp I twisted aff my heel.
2. v. (1) To walk with “clamps” on the shoes.Ayr. 1891 H. Johnston Kilmallie xix.:
They “clamped” over the ice.
(2) To fit (a boot) with clamps (Ags. 1975). Ags. 1848 Feast Liter. Crumbs (1891) 17:
Get shoon wi' clampit heels and taes, And five fu' rows o' muckle tackets.
