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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Cunnar, n. Also: cwn(n)ar, kwnar, cun(n)er, connar. [e.m.E. cunner (1566), ME. conner, OE. cunnere.]

1. One appointed to test the quality of ale offered for sale and fix the proper price for it. Cf. Ale-cunnar. 14.. Acts I. 333/2.
Item, at thai put nocht furth thar ail wande to certify the cunnaris of the ayl as thai solde 1470 Prestwick B. Rec. 17.
For the prising of aile in the said burghe, the sergeand and the cunnaris ordainit tharfor 1497 Dunferm. B. Rec. 75.
Thyr ar the cwnnarrys, Sten Gullan [etc.] 1502 Prestwick B. Rec. 37.
The sergeand [accusit] in falt of warnyn of the said cunnaris to pryis the aile as efferyt, … and the cunnaris obeyt nocht to the prisyng of the aile for the tyme 1548 Stirling B. Rec. I. 54.
Every brouster sall … charge the ballie … to cum and bring suorne cunneres with him and set ane price upon the said aill 1563 Prestwick B. Rec. 67.
Chosen to be connaris of the ayll, Edwart Wylsoun, Jhone Browne 1569 Lanark B. Rec. 44.
The persones under writin to be cuneris to pref and sie that the aill quhilk ilk ostlar takis four d. for be worth the soum 1571 Prestwick B. Rec. 72.
That the bailȝeis … sall pas throw the towne with thair officeris and cunnaris … fowr tymes in the ȝeir 1588 Beveridge Culross & Tullyallan I. 127.
The said beillies & counsall hes chosin cunneris for trying of the samyn

2. An expert taster or judge (of liquor). c1500-c1512 Dunb. lxiii. 42.
Monsouris of France, gud clarat-cunnaris