Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†CLEVER, Claver, v.2 To climb, scramble (of a child) (Sc. 1790 F. Grose Provincial Gl.); to cling to, to take a hasty grip of. Claver is obs. except dial. in Eng.Sc. a.1732 T. Boston Crook in the Lot (1773) 132:
God will cause the matter of our honour to give way, like a sandy brae under our feet, while we shall be obliged to clever to the vindication of his.
