Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1737-1803, 1890-1960
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KNELL, v., n. Also knyell, nell. [kn(j)el]
Sc. usages:
I. v. ‡1. To strike or knock so as to produce a reverberating sound. Obs. in Eng. from 14th c.Sc. 1803 Scots Mag. (Sept.) 639:
He knell'd his head against the wa', An' lap an' stenn'd.Abd. 1960:
Efter we were beddit, somebodie cam an knellt at the door.
†2. Of the heart: to beat violently, throb.Abd. c.1737 Caled. Mag. (1788) 505:
His paughty heart was fou' o' cair, And knell'd fell sair to see.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore (S.T.S.) 115:
Ye cud na tell't, except ye'd foun't your sell, How at this kindness Bydby's heart did knell.
3. To talk loudly and frivolously (Cld. 1825 Jam.). Ppl.adj. nellin (Ib.). See also Now.
II. n. The sound of a shot or explosion, a loud echoing boom or crack, a thud (ne.Sc. 1960); the sound of the sea. esp. before a storm.Abd. c.1890 Gregor MSS.:
If one is drowned near the shore, the sea gives forth a plaintive sound or knell till the body is found.Abd. 1930 D. Campbell Kirsty's Surprise 22:
I cam, dancin, roun' the nyeuk o' the hoose an' ran bang intae him. What a knyell I gied him ower the knee wi' the pailie!Bnff. 1948:
Fan the gun gaed aff, ye could hae hard the knell o't for miles.
