Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

†CHARNLE-PINS, n. comb., pl. “The pins on which the hinges of machinery turn” (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 132). Used fig. in quot. N.E.D. gives †charnel, a hinge, last example 1741. Cf. Sharl-pin.Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 132:
A man is said to miss his charnle-pins, when he is so intoxicated with spirits that he cannot “stand steave in his shoon.”