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.
KINTYE, n. The roof-tree or ridge-pole of a house, “a term used by those who are of Highland descent” (Fif. 1825 Jam.).
[This word is somewhat suspect. Jam. appears to have accepted it, among several other sim. items from a Gaelic-speaking informant in Fife, as if from Gael. ceann-(an-)taighe, “head of the house”, but the phonology is improbable and the phr. means only “a chieftain, head of a family” or “the upper end of a house.” Prob. the whole is a misconception or misusage of king-tie, a principal beam or post in a roof. Cf. Eng. king-post, tie-beam.]
