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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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CARNAPTIOUS, CURNAPTIOUS, Carnapshus, adj. Also canaptious. Irritable, quarrelsome, “crabbed or ill-tempered” (Bnff.², Arg.¹ (curnaptious), Kcb.¹⁰ 1938; Uls. 1880 W. H. Patterson Gl. Ant. and Dwn.). Cf. Pernapcious, adj. [kɑr′nɑpʃəs, kʌr-]Sc. 1999 Herald 4 Sep 30:
Gus's admiration for John is not unanimously endorsed in The Jury Room. Reactions vary from carnaptious auld bugger (Dave the Rave) to unappreciative (Tequila Sunset). Sc. 2000 Herald 28 Sep 21:
It's said that when a rescue ship reached a remote desert island, the crew were astounded to discover that a single survivor of the shipwreck, a carnaptious Scotsman, had built two churches - one to attend, and one to stay away from on principle. Sc. 2000 Herald 22 Nov 21:
On being informed of the Labour person's brush with the carnaptious canine, Anniesland Conservative spokesperson Belinda McCammon said: "Oh dear, I hope the dog's all right."Gsw. 1931 H. S. Roberton Curdies 114:
That belangt to ane they ca'd Rab Frew, a carnaptious auld deevil he was.Gsw. 1992 Jeff Torrington Swing Hammer Swing! (1993) 305:
Hadn't Becky warned me that he was a 'canaptious big swine' who'd punch you as soon as look at you.sm.Sc. 1988 W. A. D. and D. Riach A Galloway Glossary :
carnapshus irritable, quick-tempered.Uls.(D) 1879 W. G. Lyttle Readings by Robin 48:
He's a cross carnapshus wee brat, so he is!Dwn. 1901 Ulsterisms in North. Whig:
He is such a curnaptious buddy that he is never at peace but when he is takin' the law of somebody.