Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
POP, n. Sc. usage: a small round mark made on a sheep's wool by dipping a stick in the marking substance and dabbing it on to the wool, a sheep-mark (Dmf., Slk., Rxb. 1966). Also in n.Eng. dial. Cf. Pap, n.3, 3.s.Sc. 1886 C. Scott Sheep Farming 138:
The draft ewes . . . only receive a “pop” or dot of the name tar from a round stick on the shoulder.Dmf. 1957 Dmf & Gall. Standard (6 July) 16:
B.F. Ewe Hogg Missing off Gledenholm, red pop near hip.