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.
GILLIEPEROUS, n., adj. Also gilleperous (Abd.6 1913, Abd. 1954), gileepris, gal(l)eep(e)rous, galeeprous (Mry.1 1925). [gəl′ip(ə)rəs]
I. n. 1. A stupid fool (Abd.8 1917, Bch. 1942).Sc. 1935 I. Bennet Fishermen, etc. xiv.:
Ye great galleeperous — ye should hae telt him ye wad pey him!
2. A rough, ungainly person (Bnff. 1916, gillieperous).Abd. 1915 H. Beaton Back o' Benachie 125:
I'm mair gleg nor some feel gileepris 'it canna stan' on their pins.
II. adj. Very foolish (Mry.1 1925, galeeperous).
[Of obscure origin.]
