Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CRING, Kring, n. and v. [krɪŋ(əl)]
1. n.
(1) “A halter round the neck of an animal by which to lead it, esp. a rope binding or tying two animals (sheep, horses) together, either by passing it round the neck or feet of both, or (esp. in case of horses) by tying the one animal to the tail of the other, the better to drive them” (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl., kring).
(2) Two or more animals tied together in this way: of horses (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.), of two lambs (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.).Sh.(D) 1922 J. Inkster Mansie's Röd 137:
I wid come an' gie dee a haand in a meenit, Sibbie; bit I min get da swills an' da staiks fir yon twa cring o' lambs.
2. v.
(1) To fasten with a cring. Also used fig.Sh.(D) 1916 J. J. H. Burgess Rasmie's Smaa Murr (Aagast 15):
Lambs döesna aft gree, whin dey'r first kringed tagedder.Sh.(D) 1918 T. Manson Humours Peat Comm. I. x.:
Hooiver, ye'll laekly hae ta rin cringd tagedder yit, so it doesna maitter.
(2) “Appl. to rope, tether: to become entangled” (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), kring).
[Cf. Norw. dial. kring, a circle, a halter, kringa, to encircle.]
