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: 1903-1929
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VEEPER, n. Also veepor; vipor. Sc. forms and usages of Eng. viper, lit. and fig. (Sc. 1830 Wilson Noctes Amb. (1855) II. 365, Ags. 1833 J. S. Sands Poems 76). Hence adjs. veeperate, -it, venomous, malicious, malign, fiery-tempered. See P.L.D. §45.Abd. 1903 Wkly. Free Press (17 Jan.):
She wis a veeperit craitur.Abd. 1929 J. Alexander Mains & Hilly 206:
Some o' the ministers wur that veeperate at they cudna haud their tongue i' the verra kirk.
