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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Knape, Knaip, n. Also: knype. [ME. and e.m.E. knape, OE. cnapa. As in ME. and OE., synonymous with the much more common Knave n.] a. A lad or man acting as an attendant; a man-servant, groom. b. As a term of abuse. = Knave n. 5. c. More generally, a lad, fellow, chap.a. 1496 Edinb. Hammermen 13 b.
To the ij knapis in brecatynis that day xvj d. c1500-c1512 Dunb. Tua Mar. W. 125.
I dar nocht luik to the knaip that the cop fillis 1513 Doug. xii. ii. 87.
The byssy knapys [Sm. knaipis] and verlettis of hys stabill Abowt thame [the horses] stud 1534 Edinb. Hammermen in Mill Mediæv. Plays 233.
Gevin to the twa knapis & for graithing of the harnes to the banermen vj s.b. 1513 Doug. ix. ix. 77.
Turnus … Thus dyd hym chyde, O catyve wytles knaip [R. knape], Quhat wenyst thou our handis to eschaip?c. a1628 Carmichael Prov. No. 742.
He was never a lukkie knype, that had his mother at the yet