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.
†DEN, n.2, v.2
1. n. A groove, e.g. in the handle of a scythe into which the blade is fitted, or in a mill-stone to accommodate the rind.Abd. 1948 Huntly Express (20 Feb.):
The upper mill stone, or runner stone, has a chase or grooves called dens by millers of the old school. Into these grooves was fitted an iron bar on which the stone rested when in motion.Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 429 s.v. sned:
The runt must be siccard in the den, so that the blade may have a snanging sound.
2. v. To cut a groove in a scythe handle for the blade. Vbl.n. denning. Found also in Nhb. dial.Abd. 1744 An Abd. Estate (S.C. 1946) 72:
To dighting 4 sneads and denning them 0. 12. 0.
