Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

CREEP, n.

1. As in Eng., except in the phr. cauld creep(s), “that sensation of rigour which extends itself over the surface of the body in consequence of exposure to severe cold, or of some sudden alarm” (Sc. 1825 Jam.²; Bnff.², Abd.⁹ and Ags.¹⁷ ( — creeps), Lnk.¹¹ 1940); colloq. Eng “the creeps,” “cold creeps.”Edb. 1894 P. H. Hunter J. Inwick ii.:
The thocht o' stan'in up an' speakin in the kirk brocht the cauld creep ower him.

2. A low archway for the passage of cattle through an embankment, esp. on a railway.Abd. 1879 11 Years at Farm Wk. 32: 
A very heavy rain, however, overtook them, and they took shelter below a cattle creep under the railway.sm.Sc. 1962 D. L. Smith Tales G.S.W.R. 85: 
They emerged from the cutting on to a small 'cattle-creep'.s.Sc. 1927 Border Mag. (Feb.) 19: 
Underneath the railway by a "cattle-creep".Wgt. 1875 W. McIlwraith Guide Wgt. 37: 
A creep for cattle, on the Wigtown Railway.

3. A contemptible fellow, a sneak (Ags., wm.Sc. 1975). m.Sc. 1963 F. Urquhart Dying Stallion 29: 
That's enough oot o' you, ye dirty wee creep.