kemp

US:USA pronunciation: respellingUSA pronunciation: respelling(kemp)

kemp¹ (kemp),USA pronunciation n.

British Terms
- a strong, brave warrior.
- an athlete, esp. a champion.
- a professional fighter.
- an impetuous or roguish young man.
Scottish Termsa contest, as between two athletes or two groups of workers, esp. a reaping contest between farmworkers.

v.i.

Scottish Termsto contest, fight, or strive, esp. to strive in a reaping contest.

WGmc, perh. through Latin campiō; see champion
bef. 900; Middle English kempe, Old English cempa; cognate with Old Frisian kempa, kampa, Middle Dutch, Middle Low German kemp(e), Old High German chemp(i)o; ultimately

kemp² (kemp),USA pronunciation n.

Textilesa short, coarse, brittle fiber, used chiefly in the manufacture of carpets.

1350–1400; Middle English kempe coarse (said of hair); akin to Old English cenep mustache, bristly object, Old Norse kampr mustache, cat's whiskers

kemp′y, adj.

Kemp (kemp),USA pronunciation n.

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