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.
COONTER-LOUPER, -LOWPER, Counterlowper, n. comb. A draper's assistant; a shopman; a “counter-jumper.” Also found in Yks. dial. (E.D.D.). Gen.Sc. [′kuntər′lʌupər]Abd.(D) 1917 C. Murray Sough o' War 38:
There's men aneuch in sooters' shops, an' chiels in masons' yards, An' coonter-loupers, sklaters, vrichts, an' quarrymen, an' cyaurds.Ayr. 1862 J. Baxter Kirn, etc. 75:
Ayr counterlowpers weel may wish him . . . Since he cam' here they count their gains.Gall.(D) 1901 Trotter Gall. Gossip 287:
There wus a young coonter-lowper they ca't Murdoch McWhan cam an set up a draper's shop richt fornent the doctor's.
