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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Quotation dates: 1898-1952

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KNIP, n.1 Also knipe, and deriv. knipsie. A small, well-built, sturdy boy (Abd. 1960), a little, mischievous boy or girl (Abd., Mearns 1825 Jam., knipsie; n.Sc. 1960). [knɪp, knəip]Abd. 1898 J. R. Imray Sandy Todd 21:
Yon knip o' a laddie that's wi' me ayve noo is fair daft aboot bein' a sailor.
Bnff. 1935 I. Bennet Fishermen iv.:
Aye, Johnny lad, ye're a gey wylie k'nipe!
Abd. 1952 Buchan Observer (18 Nov.):
Here was a lively job for the wee knips o' lassies.

[Prob. an imit. variant of Knap, with influence from Gnib, and Knip, v., n.3 Cf. Eng. slang nipper.]

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