Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1700-1799, 1866-1925, 1988
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KNIDGE, v., n. Also nidge, knedge. Cf. Gnidge, Knudge. [(k)nɪdʒ]
I. v. tr. and intr. To rub, press, squeeze, press down forcibly with the knee (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 98; Cai. 1902 E.D.D.; Sh., n.Sc. 1960), to nudge, jog with the elbow (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.); specif. to squeeze through a crowd or narrow place with difficulty (Rxb. 1825 Jam.); to strain at stool in constipation (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Also fig. Vbl.n. knidgan, continuous severe pressure with the knee (Gregor). Also in Nhb. dial.Sc. 1700–1799 Merry Muses (1911) 55:
Come nidge me Tam, — come nodge me Tam, Come nidge me o'er the nyvle.Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 68:
I saw a great black man knedgan' Inkster's trapple.Bnff. 1924 Swatches o' Hamespun 83:
I knidged him doon, an' gid 'im a baff.Rxb. 1925 E. C. Smith Mang Howes and Knowes 10:
Another road-injin nidgin ti dae the poween. m.Sc. 1988 William Neill Making Tracks 53:
I wes broucht
by bigger bairns doun tae the Laundry Pown.
Rin doon the hull, thay said, an tear et it;
(thay maun hae keeked and nidged et yin anither).
II. n. A forceful squeeze, an application of pressure, esp. with the knees (Cai. 1902 E.D.D.; ne.Sc. 1942; Sh.10 1952, rare; Cai. 1960).Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 98:
He ga' 'im a knidge i' the breest it gart's behns crack.
