A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1499-1500, 1665-1667
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Nekhering, Neck-herring, n. [a. cf. Crag-herring n. and ? med. L. collacus the shad, as if f. L. coll-um neck; b. north. e.m.E. (once) nekherynge (gl. L. colaphus) (Cath. Angl.), of obscure origin.] a. Appar. a variety of herring, ? the shad. b. A blow, a buffet; ? specif., a blow over the neck and shoulders. —a1500 Henr. Fab. 1950 Title (H).
The taill of the wolf that gat the nekhering a1500 Ib. 2089.
Abyde and thow ane nekhering sall haif a1500 Ib. 2115.
He said the nekhering was in the creill a1500 Ib. 2166, 2230. 1665–7 Lauder Jrnl. 90.
With his rung he would have given them a sicker neck herring over the shoulders
