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.
KNAB, n.4 Also knabsi(e). A compact, sturdy, thick-set person or animal, a wellbuilt youth (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928)). Cf. Knab, n.2, 2., Knobb, Knap, n.2
[Norw. dial., Sw. dial. knabbe, a short, wellbuilt person, + hypocoristic dim. suff. -sie, as in Klivsie.]
