Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

KNEWEL, n. Also knool, knule, knull, kneel, kniel (Rnf. 1902 E.D.D.). A cross-bar or peg of wood or metal; specif. the notched wooden pin on the end of a halter for holding by (Per. 1902 E.D.D.); the “button” or tag which is put through the ring on the rope or chain for tethering cattle in a stall (Abd., Fif. 1825 Jam., knull, knule; ‡Abd.²⁷ 1938, kneel); the cross-bar of a watch-chain (Ags. 1902 E.D.D.). Also fig. [knu(ə)l, knøl, knil]Mearns, Ags. 1808 Jam.:
To hadd the knewel [Mearns. kniel], to hold the reins, to keep the grip.