Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
YELP, n., v. Also yellop (Per. 1895 R. Ford Tayside Songs 224); yalp (Ags. 1889 J. S. Neish Byways 153; Sh. 1891 J. Burgess Rasmie's Büddie 10; Ags. 1934 G. M. Martin Dundee Worthies 22; Ork. 1974). Sc. form and usages. [jɛlp; Ork., Ags. jɑlp]
I. n. 1. A contemptuous term for a dog, a yapping cur; a peevish, complaining person (Per. 1974).Abd. 1916 G. Abel Wylins 15:
I'm gled I am a fairmer's dog, An' nae a shepherd's yelp.
2. A sharp blow, buffet. Cf. Whistle, n., 2.Rnf. 1861 J. Barr Poems 126:
She lent him a yelp wi' her maulie, That knockit off ane o' his horns.
II. v. As in Eng. Ppl.adj. yelpin in comb. yelpin stane, an echoing rock; also a loose stone underfoot (Ork. 1974). Cf. Yell, n.Peb. 1838 W. Welsh Poems 44:
For hark how the yelping stones sound in each hollow, Repeating the cry, “O kind Sir, fare ye well.”Lnk. 1928 W. C. Fraser Yelpin' Stane 11:
Here, if you raise your voice near the well, an answer comes from the Yelpin' Stane.