Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†TAPTOO, n., v. Also taptee; tiptoo. Sc. usage of Eng. †taptoo, now tattoo, a beating of drums.
I. n. 1. A state of excitement, eagerness, desire, rage, etc.Lnk., Ayr. 1825 Jam.:
To put one into a taptoo, to excite one's wrath, to produce violent passion (Ayr.). What a taptee he is in! how eager he is (Lnk.).
2. “A gaudy ornament on the head” (Ayr. 1825 Jam.), prob. assimilated to 1. from Tappitourie, and of doubtful authenticity.
II. v. To be in a violent passion (Ags. 1825 Jam., tiptoo).
