Clishmaclaver definitions and example sentences on Wordnik

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Definitions (1)

Idle discourse; silly talk; gossip. [Scotch.] So, ye may doucely fill a throne, For a' their clish-ma-claver. Burns, A Dream.

Clishmaclaver struck us as an apt title, as the home of Chambers has always been in Edinburgh, Scotland, and clishmaclaver is what is known around these parts as 'a good Scottish word'.When I tell people that I am a dictionary editor, it usually elicits an enthusiastic response, and not a little envy.
And such a clishmaclaver as that man made! — Dear Enemy
What clishmaclaver is this! — Dear Enemy
For a 'their clishmaclaver. — The House with the Green Shutters
George the Fort 'didna fill the throne verra doucely for a' their clishmaclaver, and I don't think young — The House with the Green Shutters