Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CHEEPER, Cheiper, n. [′tʃipər]
1. “The cricket, an insect; denominated from the noise it makes” (Lth. 1808 Jam., cheiper; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).Lth., Rxb. 1825 Jam.2:
When cheepers come to a house, it betokens good luck.
‡2. “The bog Iris; so called, because children make a shrill noise with its leaves” (Rxb. 1825 Jam.2; 1923 Watson W.-B., obsol.), Iris pseudacorus.
3. The meadow pipit, Anthus pratensis (Fif.1 c.1880). Also in n.Eng. dial. (E.D.D.). Cf. Cheepart, n., 1, above.
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"Cheeper n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 11 Oct 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/cheeper>