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.
CLAPPAN, n. (See quot.)Sh. 1886 A. Ross in Gael. Soc. of Inv. XII. 398:
I have seen both in Shetland and in Lewis the upright wheel at work. . . . It is called a “clappan,” from the peculiar noise it makes as the stone revolves. . . . The wheel is horizontal, and the axle upright and . . . the upper stone of the mill is fixed to the same axle as the wheel.
