Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SCAPE, v. As in Eng., an aphetic form of escape.
1. Sc. comb.: scape-rape, one who has (just) escaped hanging, a rogue. Cf. Eng. scape-gallows. See Raip.Dmf. 1836 A. Cunningham Lord Roldan II. ii.:
Ye'll be ane of Dick Corsbane's scape-rapes.
2. To run at large, to scamper.Bnff. 1903 Banffshire Jnl. (2 June) 6:
Where bairns and beasts in happy days Gaed scapin' ower the lea.
