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.
KNAPPER-KNYTLICH, adj., n. Also knappert-knytrich, knipper-knatlich. [′knɑpər(t)-′knəitlɪç, ′knɪpər-′knɑtlɪç]
I. adj. Short-tempered (Abd.15 1913), particular, somewhat eccentric, stingy (Abd. 1909 Abd. Ev. Gazette).Abd. 1904 Weekly Free Press (30 July):
Some fowk are awfu' knipperknatlich an' maun gie fowk their due an' naething mair.
II. n. A pernickety, fussy person (Abd. 1939).
[Knap, v., 3., Nip, v.1, 2. + agent suff. -er + Nat + dim. -lich, see -Och, II. 3.]