Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CLYPACH, n.2 and v.2 [′kləipəx]
1. n.
(1) “A large unseemly clot of any liquid, semi-liquid, or soft substance” (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 28); a bedraggled mass (Abd.9 1936).Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 28:
His muckle quyte wiz a' in tatter-wallops, an' hingin' in weet clypachs aboot's legs.
(2) “Work [performed] in an ungraceful, dirty manner amongst liquid, semi-liquid, or soft substances; walking in an ungraceful, dirty manner” (Ib.).
(3) “An uncomely person of a somewhat disagreeable disposition, and not very cleanly habits” (Ib.).
2. v.
(1) “To do work of whatever kind in a dirty, slovenly manner; to walk in a dirty, ungraceful manner” (Ib.).
(2) To flap (of anything wet and untidy).Bnff.2 1936:
His fool torn breeks clypached aboot his legs like dish-cloots.
