Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1877-1938
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CABE, KABE, Kaeb, Keb, n. Also misprint kaak (Sh. 1898 Shetland News (3 Dec.)). “A thowl, or strong pin of wood for keeping an oar steady” (Sh. 1825 Jam.2, kabe; 1866 Edm. Gl.; c.1890 (per Bnff.2); 1908 Jak. (1928), keb; 1914 Angus Gl., kaeb).Sh.(D) 1877 G. Stewart Sh. Fireside Tales (1892) 104:
Da tow began ta snore heavy upo' da cabe.Sh.(D) 1899 J. Spence Sh. Folk-Lore 111:
It was considered very unlucky to go between a man and his kabe.Sh. 1938 M. Powell 200,000 Feet on Foula 219:
Shetland boats are not fitted with effete Southern gadgets like rowlocks: instead they have a kabe, which they stick into the ruths; round the kabe and the oar they twist a hommliband — and are all set.
