Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

TAPER, v. Also teypar-. Sc. usages of Eng. taper:

1. With aff: to tear a person's character to shreds, to sum (someone) up in a critical disparaging manner (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).Rxb. 1927 E. C. Smith Braid Haaick 22:
Some puir sowl's geetin taipert off.

2. Also with out: of food, etc., to use sparingly, to make to last, eke out (Fif. c.1850 Peattie MS.; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; Sh., Ags. 1972), by confusion with Tape, v.

3. Only in pa.p. teypard, of a building, high and thin (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 445).