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.
SKULP, n. Also skolp (Jak.) and dim. form skulpie. [skʊlp]
1. A generic name for the jellyfish, Medusa (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl., 1932 J.M.E. Saxby Trad. Lore 203, Sh. 1970).
2. A dried-up jellyfish membrane (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1970).Sh. 1904 E.D.D.:
The jelly-fish often drive ashore in great numbers and the ebb-tide leaves them on the beach. They seem to melt away, leaving only a thin film on the sand. We would call that “the skulps o' jelly-fish”.
3. A blotch, splotch of dirt (Sh. 1904 E.D.D.).
[Appar. ad. Norw. skvulp, Dan. dial. skulp, a ripple, a splash, the tremulous movement of a liquid.]
