† ˈamper Obs. or dial.
1–2 ampre, 7 amper.
A tumour or swelling; a blemish. (Cf. anbury.)
| a 700 Epinal Gl. (O.E.T. 106) Varix, ampræ; Erfurt Gl. ompræ. c 1175 Cott. Hom. 237 Þri ampres were an mancyn ær his [Christ's] to-cyme. 1674 Ray S. & E. Countr. Words 57 An Amper: a fault or flaw in linnen or woollen cloath, Suss. Skinner makes it to be a word much used by the common or countrey-people in Essex to signifie a tumour, rising or pustule. 1693 W. Robertson Phraseol. Gen. 85 An Amper or Ampor; Tumor, phlegmone. 1753 Chambers Cycl. Supp., Amper, a local term used in Essex for a tumor, or phlegmon. 1875 Parish Sussex Dial. 13 [From Ray]. |