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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

HAMPHIS, v. Also hamphise; hamfish, hemfish (Mearns5 1944); hamfis(t) (Mearns2 c.1850); humfish. To surround, hem in, confine (Abd. 1790 A. Shirrefs Poems, Gl.); to hamper, curb.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore 79:
What winna fouk engage, that's under care, Wi' sick a premunire hamphis'd, as were we, Fouk wad say onie thing, to get them free.
Abd. 1778 Ib. 70:
Syne in a clap, as thick's the motty sin, They hamphis'd her with unco fike and din.
Mry. 1806 R. Jamieson Ballads II. 175:
Agast the sothroun stood a stound: Syne hamphis'd him, pele-mele, ane and a'.
Abd. 1836 J. Grant Tales 163:
So I borrowed a trap frae the laird's gamekeeper, and, thinks I, I'll hamphise him.
Abd. 2004:
I'm fair humfisht wi ma bad leg.

[A reduced assimilated form of Handfast, used as a v. = to tie the hands of, restrict.]

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