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.
Quotation dates: 1916
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KEIR, v. Also keer. Cai. forms of Cair, q.v., to prepare threshed corn for winnowing by shaking it up to sift out broken fragments of straw, etc. (Cai. 1934–59). Vbl.n. keirens, the broken straws, etc., thus removed. Cf. P.L.D. §147.1. [keir]Cai. 1916 John o' Groat Jnl. (7 April):
When the day's thrashing was over, the straw was made up into "winleens," the corn was "keered," ridding it of all "strumps" and short straw.
