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.
Quotation dates: 1499-1595
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Imp, v. Also: impe, ymp(e. [ME. ympe, impe (14th c.). OE. impian.] a. tr. To graft, engraft; to plant (young shoots). Also fig. b. To engraft feathers into (the wings of a falcon, etc.), so as to improve the flight. fig. —a. a1500 Henr. III. 140/2.
Fals titlaris now growis vp full rank, Nocht ympit in the stok of cheretie 1537 Lynd. Depl. Magd. 198.
The heuinly flour of France Quhilk impit was in to the thrissill kene 1574 Calderwood III. 323.
Often times … man useth to impe a peece of his owne … policie, which would stay the … purpose of God 1595 Duncan App. Etym.
Insero, to imp in —b. c1590 Fowler I. 219 § v. 12.
Yet high desire to win more lasting fame … Dothe ympe my wings and to suche soaring vse
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"Imp v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 12 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/imp_v>
