tup

American  

[tuhp] / tʌp /

noun

1. Chiefly British. a male sheep; ram.

2. the head of a falling hammerlike mechanism, as of a steam hammer or pile driver.

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verb (used with object)

tupped, tupping

1. Chiefly British. (of a ram) to copulate with (a ewe).

verb (used without object)

tupped, tupping

1. Chiefly British. (of a ewe) to copulate.

tup British  

/ tʌp /

noun

1. an uncastrated male sheep; ram

2. the head of a pile-driver or steam hammer

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verb

1. to cause (a ram) to mate with a ewe, or (of a ram) to mate with (a ewe)

2. dialect to butt (someone), as in a fight

Etymology

Origin of tup

1300–50; Middle English tope, tupe ram, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Originally from the root tap, Gr. tup, to strike lightly.

From Six Centuries of English Poetry Tennyson to Chaucer by Baldwin, James

O may thou ne'er forgather up make friends Wi' ony blastit moorland tup; But ay keep mind to moop an' mell, nibble, meddle Wi' sheep o' credit like thysel!

From Robert Burns How To Know Him by Neilson, William Allan

Now it was an accomplishment of our hero's that he could bleat like any kind of sheep—except perhaps an old tup, for which his voice was as yet too shrill.

From The Suprising Adventures of Sir Toady Lion With Those of General Napoleon Smith by Crockett, S. R. (Samuel Rutherford)

Michael: Better a sound tup than a spavined nag.

From Krindlesyke by Gibson, Wilfrid Wilson

Shearling, Shear hog, Heeder, Diamond or Dinmont ram, or tup, and, when castrated, a Shearing wether.

From A Treatise on Sheep: The Best Means for their Improvement, General Management, and the Treatment of their Diseases. by Blacklock, Ambrose