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.
SCLASP, v., n. Also sklasp, sklesp. s.Sc. variant of Eng. clasp, to grasp the hand, a handgrasp, etc. (Slk., Rxb. 1825 Jam., Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). See S, letter, 5. In the following quot. the word may mean the span of the hand or its length from wrist to finger-tips but the whole passage is in some way corrupt (see Child's note V. 372). [sklɑsp, sklæsp]Sc. a.1830 Johnie Scot in Child Ballads (1956) IV. 488:
Then out and came that gurrly fellow, A gurrly fellow was he, With twa lang sclasps between his eyes, His shoulders there were three.
