Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1808-1827, 1899-1912
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SWAP, n.2, v.2 Also swapp, swaup. [swɑp]
I. n. The cast of a countenance, the lineaments, the distinguishing features of the face, esp. as it resembles one's relatives, a facial trait or characteristic in a family (Sh. 1972).Sc. 1808 Jam.:
The swaup of his face, the general cast of his face.Sc. 1814 C. I. Johnstone Saxon & Gael I. xii.:
Very like her mither, but yet a great swap o' auld uncle Binky.Fif. 1827 W. Tennant Papistry 76:
He kent the shape, and swaup confest O' learned Barns afore the rest.Sh. 1899 Shetland News (11 Nov.):
Hit's da swapp o' ane o' da Aandersons.
II. v. 1. Esp. of the face: to resemble in appearance, to show a family likeness to (Ork., Wgt. 1972).Kcb. 1814 W. Nicholson Poems 41:
That seem'd to swap some face she knew.Ayr. 1822 H. Ainslie Pilgrimage 234:
I'm glad he swaps sae little o' the deddy.Ayr. 1912 Scotsman (31 Jan.):
“Does he swap his faither?” She explained it by adding, “I mean, is he like him in the face?”
2. To match (patterns, colours, etc.), to select for their resemblance (Ork. 1929 Marw., Ork. 1972).
[Altered or variant form of Swype. The phonology is however difficult to explain, poss. due to confusion with Swaip. Swap, v.1 Cf. Norw. dial. sveipa, a by-form of svipa, to resemble.]
