ˈgəu̇pən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English goupyne, from Old Norse gaupn (in plural only) cupped hand; akin to Old High German coufana hand, Old English gēap open, wide, gōma palate — more at gum
1. chiefly Scotland
a. : the hollow of two hands held together as if forming a bowl
b. also gow·pen·ful -ˌfü(l) plural gowpenfuls : a double handful
gathered a gowpenful of flinty arrowheads — John Service
2. Scots law : the perquisite of meal from tenants by thirlage that is allowed to a miller's servant