Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
KEENG, n., v. Also keng, king (Jak.), keen. [kiŋ, keŋ; kj-]
I. n. A clasp or rivet of pewter, etc., used esp. in mending broken earthenware or china articles (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 123, keen(g), 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928)). For comb. grund king, see Grund, n., 4.
II. v. To mend broken crockery, etc., with a clasp or rivet (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1959).Sh. 1900 Shetland News (9 June):
Dis laem is as hard as a sheeny cup. A'll no be dune wi' da holes far less hae him keeng'd da night.Sh. 1931 J. Nicolson Tales 92:
I keng laem, an' mend pots.
