Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†FIRPLE, n., v.
I. n. The underlip, gen. of a horse (Dmf. 1894 Trans. Dmf. and Gall. Antiq. Soc. 141; ‡Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Phr. to hing the firple, to pout, look sulky (Watson).Dmf. 1914 J. L. Waugh Cracks wi' Robbie Doo 66:
Don't for a moment think that my hingin firple means mildness and gentleness, don't take me for an auld used-up yaud wi' no a kick left in me.
II. v. To whine, whimper (Rxb. 1825 Jam., ‡1923 Watson W.-B.).
[Variant form, with intrusive r, of Faiple.]
