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: 1808
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KNEWEL, n. Also knool, knule, knull, kneel, kniel (Rnf. 1902 E.D.D.). A cross-bar or peg of wood or metal; specif. the notched wooden pin on the end of a halter for holding by (Per. 1902 E.D.D.); the “button” or tag which is put through the ring on the rope or chain for tethering cattle in a stall (Abd., Fif. 1825 Jam., knull, knule; ‡Abd.27 1938, kneel); the cross-bar of a watch-chain (Ags. 1902 E.D.D.). Also fig. [knu(ə)l, knøl, knil]Mearns, Ags. 1808 Jam.:
To hadd the knewel [Mearns. kniel], to hold the reins, to keep the grip.
