scopperil
(ˈskɒpərɪl)
Forms: 5 scop(e)relle, 5, 7, 9 scopperell, 6 scopperelle, 7–9 scop(p)eril(l), scop(p)ril, scop(p)erel, scoprel. See also scopel.
[Of obscure origin; a remarkable similarity of form is presented by mod.Icel. skoppara-kringla spinning-top, f. skoppa to spin like a top; cf. MSw. skoppa to jump, run about, MDu., mod.Du. schoppen to swing, sea-saw; also scope v.2]
1. A kind of teetotum or small top (spun with the thumb and finger) made by passing a pointed peg through the centre of a disc (often a flat button or button-mould). Now dial. (see Eng. Dial. Dict.).
In some dialects applied to a small disc (as a button-mould) apart from its application.
| c 1425 St. Christina xxiv. in Anglia VIII. 128/35 Alle hir body was..turnyd in to a whirlynge about as a scoprelle or a toppe þat childer playe with. 1483 Cath. Angl. 324/1 A scoperelle, giraculum. 1621 G. Markham Hunger's Prevent. 117 Vpon the least touch it will twerle and tourne as round as any Scopperill. 1636 W. Sampson Vow Breaker i. i. B 2, If once we creepe out o' th shells, we run from our ould loves like Scopperells, weomens minds are planetary. |
b. transf. Applied to an active, restless child; also to a squirrel. dial. (See Eng. Dial. Dict.)
† 2. Her. A badge in the form of a disc. Obs.
| 1486 Bk. St. Albans, Her. b iv b, Diaclys be called in armys scopprellys. 1562 Legh Armory (1597) 37 The sixt badge are Diacles, commonly called Scopperelles. |
3. dial. A seton: = scopel.
| 1855 Robinson Whitby Gloss., A Scopperil, a plug put into an issue or seton made in the diseased part of an animal to drain off the humours. 1878 Cumberld. Gloss. 82 Scopperel. 1893–4 Northumbld. Gloss. II. 603 Scopper, scopperalt, scoperal, a seton. |