A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Knaw, v.2 [ME. (15th c.) knawyn, e.m.E. knaw(e; var. of Gnaw v.] tr. and intr. To gnaw (also at or on something). —c1500 Rowll Cursing 91 (B & M).
Thow wald be fane to knaw laird with thy gamis … snoch [sic] banis; Kennedy Flyt. 363 (B & M). Cerberus thair banis sall knaw Ib. 60 (M).
At their hart knawing a1628 Carmichael Prov. No. 1608.
Tak there a baine to knaw on
