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.
Quotation dates: 1865-1889
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GAPE, v., n. Sc. usages in phr. and combs.: †1. gape-mouth, the sea perch or bass, Morone labrax (Fif. 1710 R. Sibbald Fif. & Knr. 53); 2. gapeshot, adj., open-mouthed. See Gep, 1.; †3. to gape one's gab, to open one's mouth wide (like a young bird).2. Sh. 1877 G. Stewart Fireside Tales 41:
Pittin' aff dy time wi' ony clashan' gapeshot bledder o' wind du meets wi'.3. Mry. 1865 W. H. L. Tester Poems 94:
He wha'd . . . gape his gab wi' aught severe.Slk. 1889 Blackwood's Mag. CXLVI. 561:
We buird schules round us set, Where ilka little bantam Maun gape his gab and get The regulation quantum.
