Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†KATE, n. A hole in a sack or bag (Rxb. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XI. 94).
[Prob. a fronted vowel form with derived meaning of Cat, n.3, a handful of straw, sc. a hole stuffed with straw.]