Word Confusion

The Inspector was on his annual visit to a Country School in the North. On being informed that the class had been studying Gray's 'Elegy' he proceeded to put the pupils through their paces.

"The curfew tolls the knell of parting day" intoned the great man before addressing the class. "Now, children" he began "can you tell me what a curfew is?"

No reply came from the class. After a long pause the Inspector continued :

"Come, come now - surely you must know what a curfew is !"

Still there was no response from the nervous pupils. At last the old schoolmaster could contain himself no longer :

"Ye lot o stupid eediots" he cried in exasperation " dae nane o ye ken whit a whaup is ?"