Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

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

SLIPE, v.², n.² Also slyp(e). [sləip]

I. v. To move in a slanting or sideways direction, to fall (over) sideways. Deriv. sliper, slyper, n., fig. a person who is not straightforward, a sneaking, close type of person, “one who appears to wish to sneak away, from fear of detection” (Lnk. 1825 Jam.), a careless person, “one who is taudry and slovenly in dress” (Dmf. 1825 Jam.). Comb. slipe-eyed, squint-eyed (Per. 1904 E.D.D.).Ayr. 1786 Burns Auld Mare xii.:
Till sprittie knowes wad rair't an' risket, An' slypet owre.

II. n. 1. A slanting direction, a transverse movement or path, a slant.Sc. 1934 J. Buchan Free Fishers ix.:
We'll tak a slype up the hill.

2. A gap in a fence which can be opened or closed by sliding a set of rails, a board or the like, to and fro (Lnl. 1948).