a. Obs. exc. dial. [f. KNAP v.2 + -ISH1. Cf. snappish.] Rudely abrupt or froward, testy.

1

1513.  More, in Grafton, Chron. (1568), II. 809. He rejected the Dukes request with many spitefull and knappishe wordes.

2

1542.  Udall, Erasm. Apoph. (1877), 165. A certaine saucie or knappishe young springall.

3

1577–87.  Stanyhurst, in Holinshed, Chron., I. 35/1. Answering your snappish ‘Quid’ with a knappish ‘Quo.’

4

1629.  Z. Boyd, Last Battell, 169. Your Spirit is so knappish and way-ward, that it will not admit the most solide comforts.

5

  Hence † Knappishly adv., † Knappishness.

6

1549.  Chaloner, Erasm. on Folly, T iij b. If ought shall seeme to you to have been saied … more knappishely.

7

1573–80.  Baret, Alv., F 1154. Frowardly … malapertly, knappishly, proteruè.

8

1617.  Minsheu, Ductor, Knappish, knappishnesse.

9