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.
SNAPPER, v.2, adj. [′snɑpər]
I. v. To snap like a dog, to snarl and bite. Ppl.adj. snappert, fig., snappish, of speech, tart, testy, curt (ne.Sc. 1970). Adv. snappertly.Ags. 1793 “Tam Thrum” Look before ye Loup 15:
If your friends wou'dna wirr an' snapper at sic a rate.n.Sc. 1808 Jam.:
A snappert answer.Ags. 1895 Arbroath Guide (28 Dec.) 3:
As snappert wi' me as ever she could be.Ags. 1896 A. Blair Rantin Robin 99:
A chiel socht a spunk frae me to licht his pipe wi'. “I hae nae spunks,” I answered, fell snappertly.
†II. adj. Tart in manner, curt (n.Sc. 1825 Jam.).
[From Snap, v., n.1 O.Sc. snapper, curt, 1673.]
