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: 1775-1941
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CAN, Cann, Kan, Kann, n.1
1. A vessel of wood, “earthenware” (Fif.10 1938), etc., for holding liquids; a drinking-vessel; “a wooden decanter” (Rxb. 1801 J. Leyden (ed.) Compl. Scot., Gl. 373); “an earthenware jug with a handle” (Arg.1 1930, obsol.). Known to Edb.1, Lnk.3 1938. Formerly can had this same wide range of meaning in Eng., but now it is gen. restricted to vessels made of metal.Sc. 1818 Scott H. Midlothian xlix.:
A cracked brown cann, with a piece of leather tied over the top.Ayr. 1789 D. Sillar Poems 185:
The ither night, out owre a can, An unco dowre debate began.
2. Measure for liquids, containing about one gallon (Sh. 1825 Jam.2; 1866 Edm. Gl., can; 1914 Angus Gl., kan).Sh. 1775 J. Fea Method of Fishing (1884) 137:
The Livers of the fish belong to the fishers, who make them into Oil, which they sell to their masters at so much a Can.Sh. 1829 G. Buchanan Tables 264:
The Local Measure called a Can is equal to an English Wine Gallon of 231 Cubic Inches.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Kann, a can as a measure of liquids, esp. of train-oil; = ¼ bull(e) and of a barrel.
†3. “A broken piece of earthen ware” (Abd. 1825 Jam.2).
4. A chimney-pot. Gen.Sc. Freq. in combs with Chimley, chimney, Lum.Sc. 1866 Acts 29 & 30 Victoria (Local) c. cclxxiii. § 384:
To repair any Chimney Head or Can.Sc. 1941 M. M. Banks Cal. Customs III. 160:
They get turf, with which they close the cans of chimneys, so that the smoke coming up the chimney is forced down again and fills the house.Edb. 1821 Annual Register 140:
A strong gale . . . and the usual demolition of chimney-cans, slates, etc.Rxb. 1847 J. HallidayRustic Bard 176:
Lum-cans tell o't as doon they're whumlin'.
