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.
†CLAMPERS, n.pl. “A sort of pincers used for castrating bulls and other quadrupeds” (Rxb. 1825 Jam.2; 1923 Watson W.-B., obs.). Also found in Eng. dial. (Yks.) = claws, pincers (E.D.D.).
[From Eng. clamp, to compress with a vice; cf. Ger. klampe, a clamp.]
