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.
CLAMPER, CLAMPHER, Klamper, Clumper, Klumper, v.1, n.1 A frequentative form of Clamp, v.3, n.3 [′klɑmpər, ′klɑmfər, ′klʌmpər]
1. v.
(1) To make a heavy or clattering noise when walking (Sc. 1808 Jam., s.v. clamp; Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), klamper, klumper); “to walk noisily and clumsily, as if with big, ill-fitting boots” (Uls.3 1930, clumper). Known to Slg.3, Edb.1 1940, but given as obs. by Watson in Rxb. W.-B. (1923).Ayr. 1823 Galt R. Gilhaize III. xvii.:
Eh! is nae that Ecclesfield's foot clampering wi' his spurs at the door?Rxb. c.1830 T. Wilkie in Proc. Bwk. Nat. Club (1916) 112:
When the ellere'ed are clumperin'. . . . Then, then's the time for thrumpin'.
Hence clampersome, adj., heavy, clumsy.Kcb. 1894 S. R. Crockett Lilac Sunbonnet iv.:
There he hung, hanket by the waistband o' his breeks, baa-haain' for his minnie to come and lift him doon, an' him as muckle a clampersome hobbledehoy as ever ye saw.
(2) To crowd untidily, lumber, clutter (up), litter (Dmf. 1825 Jam.2). Most common as ppl.adj. Not known to E.D.D. correspondents (1905), but “still common in Ayrsh.” (T.S.D.C. II. 1916) and known to Slg.3 1940 in form clumper.Ayr. 1887 J. Service Dr Duguid 260:
The table clamphered wi' his papers, and the room a' reel rall bore witness to his impatience and anxiety.Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.:
A room clumper'd up wi' rickly furnitur.
2. n. A stout, heavy shoe; “clog; esp. of old, clattering clogs” (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), klumper; 1914 Angus Gl.). Most common in pl. Also found in n.Yks. and Nrf. dial. (E.D.D.).Sh. 1901 T. P. Ollason Mareel 22:
You sport an air of pickle And your clumpers make a noise.Slg. 1818 W. Muir Poems 6:
Tho' now nae mair ye're water tight, I've seen ye clampers stout an' wight.
