Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†CLAMPER, n.2, v.3 A frequentative form of Clamp, v.2, n.2
1. n.
(1) “A piece, properly of some metallic substance, with which a vessel is mended; also, that which is thus patched up” (Sc. 1825 Jam.2).
(2) fig. A patched-up argument or charge. Obs. in St.Eng. since 1647 (N.E.D.).Sc. a.1693 M. Bruce Lectures (1708) 27–28:
They bring to . . . such a Meeting as this, a number of old Clampers, pat and clouted Arguments . . . that Christ solved to the Ministers & Christians of Scotland 20 Years since.Sc. 1712 Fountainhall Decisions (1761) II. 729:
Uncertain claims and clampers they might have on other mens estates.
2. v. To patch.Sc. 1821 Carlyle Early Letters (Norton 1886) I. 359:
It must be clampered together in some shape.Sc. 1822 J. G. Lockhart Life of Scott (1837) V. vii.:
If I can clamper up the story into a sort of single scene, will it answer your purpose?
