Dictionaries of the Scots Language
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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

NAP, n.² Also napp (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 359), knap, and dim. forms (k)nappi(e), -y (s.Sc. 1903 E.D.D.). A bowl, drinking-cup; a small wooden vessel made of staves, esp. one for holding milk, a Boyne (Rnf. 1788 E. Picken Poems Gl.; Dmf. 1825 Jam.; Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.; Dmf. 1894 Trans. Dmf. & Gall. Antiq. Soc. 152; Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., nappi); a small pot (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 151). Obs. exc. dial. in Eng. from 14th c. Combs.: (1) dish-nap, see Dish, n., 3.; (2) napp-boin. a small tub (Sc. 1818 Sawers). See Boyne.Gsw. 1731 Gsw. Testaments MSS. L. 542:
A old mask fatt tuo other fatts three knappies a vessell ambrie.Abd. 1766 Abd. Journal (8 Dec.):
A Large and new assortment of Stone Ware, Consisting of . . . Nappies, Sallad Dishes, Chamber Pots, Closs stool Pans and Ornaments.Dmf. 1801 Dmf. Weekly Jnl. (27 Ja.):
Knaps and Pails of every description.Mry. 1828 Lays & Leg. (Douglas 1939) 93:
A year auld stot — a ten pint pot — A hatchet — and a nappy.Wgt. 1877 “Saxon” Gall. Gossip 366:
There was a ring put into the nap the feet were washed in, and all the young people grabbed in among the dirty water, and the one that got the ring was supposed to be the one that would be first married.Kcb. 1901 Gallovidian III. 72:
Than she gat haud o' the dish-nap an' startit tae wash up the supper things; an' than she gaed oot tae toom the nap in the syre.