skelp

¹

Or scelp

[skelp]

noun

1. a slap, smack, or blow, especially one given with the open hand.

2. the sound of such a slap or smack.

verb (used with object)

1. to slap, smack, or strike (someone), especially on the buttocks; spank.

2. to drive (animals) by slapping or goading them.

skelp

²

[skelp]

noun

1. metal in strip form that is fed into various rolls and welded to form tubing.

skelp

¹

/ skɛlp /

verb

1. (tr) to slap

noun

1. a slap

skelp

²

/ skɛlp /

noun

1. sheet or plate metal that has been curved and welded to form a tube

Word History and Origins

Origin of skelp¹

1350–1400; Middle English; probably imitative

Origin of skelp²

First recorded in 1805–15; perhaps special use of skelp ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of skelp¹

C15: probably of imitative origin

Origin of skelp²

C19: perhaps from Scottish Gaelic sgealb thin strip of wood

Example Sentences

It also helped that he was still fit to give his charges a skelp around the lug if required.

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The young man seemed highly amused by his elderly companion, who--two monstrous ostrich feathers nodding over her the while--was vowing by her soul and body that she couldn't touch another skelp of jelly--no, not the tiniest wee bit--unless somebody fed her with a spoon; which Terence, entering into the humour of the situation, proceeded immediately to do, amid the laughter and applause of all his neighbours.

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When you come for my skelp, I'll be thar.

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What's more just now, gineral," shouted a half-angry ranger, "'twasn't your place to lose yer skelp a-comin'.

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My skelp isn't wuth as much as Bowie's is, anyhow.

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Related Words

• berate 
• castigate 
• censure 
• flog 
• lash 
• punish 
• upbraid