ˈpipe-ˌstapple Sc. and north. dial.
Also -staple, -stopple.
[f. pipe n.1 + stapple, stopple, MDu. stapel stem, stalk.]
1. The stem of a tobacco-pipe.
| 1816 Scott Bl. Dwarf ix, Pinches or forehammers will never pick upon 't [the tower],..ye might as weel batter at it wi' pipe-staples. 1824 Blackw. Mag. XVI. 237 Not worth the notice of a pipe-stapple. 1825 Brockett N.C. Gloss., Pipestoppel, a fragment of the shank of a tobacco-pipe. |
2. (See quots.)
| 1825 Jamieson, Pipe-stapple... Used as synon. with Windle⁓strae, for smooth-crested grass, Loth. 1886 Britten & Holland Eng. Plant-n, Pipe-stapple... Cynosurus cristatus. The stiff stalks are used for cleaning pipes. |