Dipper

See also: dipper

English

Etymology 1

Proper noun

Dipper

1. 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°.

   • 2005, Bob Berman, Strange Universe: The Weird and Wild Science of Everyday Life--on Earth and Beyond, Macmillan (→ISBN), page 152:

     Use the Dipper as home base. Follow the two end stars of its bowl to [...] Polaris, the North Star.

Etymology 2

A translation of the (deprecated template usage) [etyl] 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.
   • 2011 Apr 11, Lysiane Gagnon, "In Quebec, the NDP is No. 2," The Globe and Mail (retrieved 11 May 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 belonging to the New Democratic Party or supporters of it.
   • 2011 Apr 27, David Olive, "Historic shift to NDP confirmed in new poll," Toronto Star (retrieved 11 May 2011):

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

Synonyms

• NDPer
• New Democrat

See also

• Bloquiste
• Grit
• Tory

Anagrams

• ripped