Also -raip, -rap. [A mod.Sc. word, of unknown origin: the orig. phrase appears to have been ‘to cast cantrips,’ like to cast figures, horoscopes, nativities, lots, spells: perh. a perversion of some term of astrology.
(Jamieson suggested cant to turn over + raip rope; Mahn Icel. gan frenzy, frantic gestures (which he renders ‘witchcraft’) + trappa a step.)]
A spell or charm of necromancy or witchcraft; a witch’s trick or mischievous device. Also jocosely, any playfully mischievous trick; any whimsically mad, eccentric, or extravagant piece of conduct; in phr. to play one a cantrip.
1719. Ramsay, Ep. Hamilton, III. vi. Nor cantrapes cast to ken your fate. Ibid. (1725), Gent. Sheph., II. ii. A witch, that for sma’ price, Can cast her cantraips, and give me advice.
1790. Burns, Tam O’Shanter. By some devilish cantrip slight Each in its cauld hand held a light.
1816. Scott, Antiq., xliv. 298. ‘I think some Scottish deevil put it into my head to play him yon other cantrip.’
1872. Daily News, 17 Aug., 5/4. Our own young lady was permitted no such cantrips.
1884. Tennyson, Becket, 171. Save from some hateful cantrips of thine own.
