Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
LEERUP, n., v. Also leirup; lerrup. [′lirəp]
I. n. 1. A sharp blow or smack, a lash with a whip (Abd.6 1913; Ork. 1920 J. Firth Reminisc. Gl.; Cai.3 1931; Abd. 1960).Ags. 1815 G. Beattie Poems (1882) 199:
They slyly tried heels up to coup 'im; An' fidgin' fain to try his mettle, Did mony a lerrup at him ettle.Ags. 1889 Arbroath Guide (13 July) 4:
Ane o' the loons … ga'e me a leirup on the back.Abd. 1929 Sc. Readings (Paterson) 9:
Eh, lassie, ye're richt sair needin' a guid leerup roon the lugs.
2. Fig. Any long trailing thing, like a whip; a tall, gangling person, a lanky youth, a Halflin (Bnff. 1910).Bnff.2 1930:
Fatna orra leerip's that trailin' at yir tail? Sic a leerip o' a chiel! He needs t' boo t' get in at the door.
II. v. 1. To thrash, beat (Sc. 1902 E.D.D.; ne.Sc. 1960). Phr. to lat leerup at, to let fly at, to strike or slap sharply.Abd. 1922 Swatches o' Hamespun 59:
She leet leerup at 's lug.
2. Fig. To walk fast, to hurry, to go at a swinging pace (Abd. 1960).Abd.15 1928:
The twa quines came leerupin doun the brae at a fell lick.
