Obs. [Of obscure origin: cf. LOP v.] trans. To cut off (the head of an animal); to cut short, prune (a root); to shear (a sheep).
c. 1420. Avow. Arth., lxv. Sone the hed fro the hals Hit lyputt fulle euyn.
1601. Holland, Pliny, II. 21. Lightly to barbe and pluck off with a sarcling hook, the beards or strings of the root; that being thus nipped and lipped … they might [etc.].
1607. Topsell, Four-f. Beasts, 608. Their sheepe bring foorth twice in a yeare, and are likewise twice lipped.
