Dipper

See also: dipper

English

Etymology 1

Proper noun

Dipper (plural Dippers)

1. Either the Big Dipper or the Little Dipper (in the singular, chiefly the Big Dipper).
   • 1912, Carroll Davidson Wright, The New Century Book of Facts: A Handbook of Ready Reference ..., page 599:

     In the Big Dipper, or Ursa Major, there are two stars which form the side of the dipper farthest from the handle. The line of these two [...] will strike the Pole Star. [...] A convenient sort of celestial yardstick is the distance from the first pointer of the Dipper to the Pole Star, which is about 28°.

   • 1959, Grade 2. Singer science all the year:

     You can see the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper almost every night. You can see the Dippers every night if the clouds do not cover them. The Dippers seem to move. They are not always in the same place. You see the Dippers in one place […]

   • 2003, Bob Berman, Strange Universe: The Weird and Wild Science of Everyday Life – on Earth and Beyond‎^[1], New York: Times Books, →ISBN, page 152:

     Use the Dipper as home base. Follow the two end stars of its bowl to point downward (in the spring) or upward (in the fall) to Polaris, the North Star.

   • 2005, Cordelia Strube, Lemon, Coach House Books, →ISBN, page 146:

     It's always a challenge in the city, but sometimes I can spot the Dippers. On camping trips Drew used to show me constellations but I've forgotten most of them. She pointed out the North Star at the end of the Little Dipper's handle […]

Etymology 2

A translation of the Mandarin Chinese 斗宿 (Dǒuxiù).

Proper noun

Dipper

1. (astronomy) A Chinese constellation located near Sagittarius, one of the 28 lunar mansions and part of the larger Black Turtle.

Etymology 3

From NDPer (NDP + -er).

Noun

Dipper (plural Dippers)

1. (Canadian politics, informal) A member or supporter of the Canadian New Democratic Party.

   Synonyms: NDPer, New Democrat

   • 2011 April 11, Lysiane Gagnon, “In Quebec, the NDP Is No. 2”, in The Globe and Mail‎^[2], Toronto, archived from the original on 15 April 2011:

     But the Dippers should hold their applause, since their party doesn't have the grassroots organization or the roster of good candidates it needs to capitalize on their leader's popularity.

2. (Canadian politics, informal, attributively) Of or pertaining to the Canadian New Democratic Party or supporters thereof.
   • 2011 April 27, David Olive, “Historic Shift to NDP Confirmed in New Poll”, in Toronto Star‎^[3], archived from the original on 28 June 2013:

     It's either that or watch Dipper hopes of big overall seat gains dashed May 2 in Ontario.

See also

• Bloquiste
• Grit
• Tory

Anagrams

• ripped