Said to be only a form of _uphold_, _uphod_, _uphoad_, and as such
should be so spelt. On the other hand it is held by dialect speakers
that _apode_ is nearer the true pronunciation. A native of North
Westmorland would say of a contentious person, “he can uphod his awn,”
another would reply “Aye, Ah’ll apode it.” Of a great eater it would
be remarked, “he’s at a ter’ble gurt uphod,” and for answer would get
“Ah’ll apode it he is.” The _uphod_ of one may be his parish; of an
institution or establishment it is said to be great or small; and one
may be the _uphod_ of many things, in this sense _apode_ can be claimed
to have a distinct use.