Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SCOWP, n.² Also scoup(e), skoup. Sc. (now chiefly n.) variants of Eng. scope, freedom or room for movement or action, space, ‡intention, aim. To keep nae scope, to have no particular aim or plan of action. See also Skobe. [skʌup; Sh. skup]Edb. 1773 Fergusson Poems (S.T.S.) II. 143:
Mortmain bills, That void our test'ments, and can freely gie Sic will and scoup to the ordain'd trustee.Abd. 1809 J. Skinner Amusements 93:
But tarry breeks was ay romantic, and lykit scowp.Dmf. 1823 J. Kennedy Poems 85:
Here a kind o' wooden clankets, Daddin on wi' stinted scoup.Fif. 1827 W. Tennant Papistry Storm'd 159:
East the Scores in surges rollit, Mair as they mair had skoup.Abd. 1880 G. Webster Crim. Officer 15:
I didna keep nae scope wi' 't — a' wye that I cud gyang I gaed.Abd. 1924 Swatches o' Hamespun 48:
The lift may fa' — bit there is scoupe.