Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
KNAPDARLOCH, n. Also knapdarlach, -lock, -daarlick, -daer-; -dorlak, -dorle (Gregor). [knɑp′dɑ:rləx, -lək, -′dorlək]
1. A lump or chunk of any solid substance (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 97; ‡Abd. 1960), esp. a knot of hardened dirt and dung, or matted hair, hanging from the coat or tail of an animal (ne.Sc. 1960); in pl.: rags and tatters. Cf. Knockdodgel, Knackdaggerel.Sc. 1885 W. Grant Sc. Anecdotes 77:
It's nae a stone ava but a knapdaerlick that hung at ane o' my stots' tails a' the last summer.Abd. 1915 H. Beaton Benachie 133:
His hair hings in knapdarlochs, like a coo's tail clortit wi' ile.Abd.11 1929:
The beggar wife wis a sair sicht, her raggit claes wallopin in knapdarlochs as she hobble't awa'.
2. Fig. As a term of abuse: an undersized, dirty, cheeky fellow (ne.Sc. 1942).Abd.15 1915:
A wee dirten knapdarloch o' a craitir.
