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.
DAMP, n.1 The end of a line or rope (Sh. 1814 Irvine MSS, Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl.; Ork. 1929 Marw.); “the end of a line where the line has been broken” (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.). Hence int. dampi, “the end! here is the end!” (Ib.). A fishermen's tabu-word.Sh.(D) 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 120:
The end was called the damp.
