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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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

KNEEP, n., v. Also knipe; gneep, gneip. [(k)nip, gnip, (g)nəip]

I. n. 1. A lump (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 226). Also kneeple, kneeplach, a large lump, a large piece (Ib. 97, 226; ne.Sc. Ags. 1960).ne.Sc. 1953 Mearns Leader (30 Oct.):
Dishes, jam, honey, scones, quarters o' breid, a knipe affen a kebback, an' saut, loadit the table.

2. Fig. A stupid lump, a foolish person, a ninny (Abd. 1825 Jam.; Gregor).

II. v. To bump, “to strike so as to produce a tumour” (Gregor). Also kneeple, kneeplach, id., with intensive force.Ib.:
A'll kneeplach yir hehd t'ye.Per.4 1950:
A knipit ma tae.

[Of doubtful etym. It is uncertain whether all the meanings belong to the same word. For n., 1., cf. Knop, of which it may be a ne.Sc. variant; for the v., cf. Knip, Knipe.]

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