A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
(Ȝerning,) Yerning, Yearning, Ȝirning, vbl. n. [North. ME and e.m.E. yernyng (1371-3), yerens (? yernens) pl. (1581-2); Ȝern v.] Rennet. —1597 Elgin Rec. II 55.
Megot Layng appeirit … in the lyknes of ane be and ȝeid in with a ȝirning and incontinent as he tuk doun the ȝirning and pat it under ane tub scho returned in her awin schaipe agane ?1691 Mackaele Terrae Prodromus Theoricus 5.
As milk doth when the renet (or yerning) is mixed with it 1696 Donaldson Husbandry 90.
The special thing required in making of cheese is to take the milk when it is fresh and new and thicken it … And be sure the thickening or yearning (as it is termed) be also fresh and good
