A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Pen-knyf(f, n. Also: pyn- and -knyv-. [e.m.E. and late ME. penne-knyfe (a 1450), pen-knyff (a 1490), f. Pen n. 3.] A small knife, used or as used for making and mending quill-pens. —1549 Compl. 26/4.
Cesar … gat xxii straikis vitht pen knyuis in the capitol a1598 Ferg. Prov. MS. No. 958.
Lang or ye cut Falkland wood with a pen knyf 1600-1610 Melvill 21.
I minting with my pen-knyff to his legges to fley him c1650 P. Gordon Brit. Dist. 113.
The wholl craige … was by ther pynknyves wndermynded and fallen in the sea
