subs. phr. (Scots’).—‘The grain at the top of the stalk’ (T. F. HENDERSON). By implication = a girl’s maidenhead, or even favour.

1

  1786.  BURNS, Hallowe’en, vi.

        But her TAP-PICKLE maist was lost,
  Whan kiutlin in the fause-house
      Wi’him that night.

2