Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1804-1805, 1881-1942
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STAPPLE, n.2 A bundle of straw (or rushes) arranged like a sheaf, tied at one end and used for thatching houses or corn-stacks (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 436; wm.Sc. 1825 Jam.; Slg., wm., sm.Sc. 1971).Uls. 1804 J. Orr Poems (1936) 71:
Wee, wanton, little thought o' birdie! The stapple that sae lang has co'erd ye.Rnf. 1805 G. McIndoe Poems 66:
But Robin stappel's made, amaist As thick's a three-year-auld wean's waist.Lnk. 1881 D. Thomson Musings 47:
Rive thack frae aff my dwellin', An' whirl the stapples heigh in air.em.Sc. 1909 J. Black Melodies 171:
It is a sign of wisdom to mend a damaged roof promptly. A few "stapples," or stop-holes, will prevent a larger breach.Uls. 1942 E. E. Evans Irish Heritage 102:
The stacks are thatched with rushes, twisted into bundles known as "stapples" which are pushed into the straw.
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"Stapple n.2". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 16 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/stapple_n2>
