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

See Examples For:

tup tupping

"Reckon he don't know a teg from a tup," said Furnese.

From Joanna Godden by Kaye-Smith, Sheila

The ancient term tup, for a ram, is in full use.

From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 10, No. 269, August 18, 1827 by Various

"He'll be a Teviotdale tup tat ane," said the chairman, "tat's for keeping ta crown o' ta causeway tat gate—he'll no gang far or he'll get somebody to bell ta cat wi' him."

From Guy Mannering by Scott, Walter, Sir

Come up, This fox is running like a tup; Let's leave this lane and get to terms.

From Reynard the Fox by Masefield, John

Troth, Jenny, that ewe will waur ye; 'od I think ye hae gotten haud o' the auld tup himsel.

From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland Volume 10 by Various

He said he witnessed a goat mating with ewes on his farm during "tupping" season five months ago, but had given the matter little thought until the geep appeared,

From BBC ● Apr. 4, 2014

Breeding Ewes.—After the tupping season, which generally lasts for a month, the sheep are usually put on a pasture, which need not be very rich.

From The Stock-Feeder's Manual the chemistry of food in relation to the breeding and feeding of live stock by Cameron, Charles Alexander, Sir