English

Verb

scarper ‎(third-person singular simple present scarpers, present participle scarpering, simple past and past participle scarpered)

1. (Britain, slang) To run away; to flee; to escape.
   • 1904, John Coleman, Fifty years of an actors̓ life, Volume 1, page 54,

     Out went the lights, as he continued, "That sneak Whiskers have just blown the gaff to old Slow-Coach, and he'll be here in two two's to give you beans — so scarper, laddies — scarper ! "

   • 2001, Ardal O'Hanlon, Knick Knack Paddy Whack, page 7,

     The tramps scarpered, the street-traders pushing prams scarpered, half of Dublin scarpered as if they all had something to hide.

   • 2007, The Guardian,

     Helm writes: 'As if she were some street criminal, ready to scarper, Ruth's home was swooped upon by [Assistant Commissioner John] Yates's men and she was forced to dress in the presence of a female police officer.

Anagrams

• carpers
• scraper