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.
KNIRDGE, v., n. Also knirj (Jak.). [knɪrdʒ]
I. v. To squeeze, crush, press down heavily as with the knuckles or knees (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928); Ork. 1929 Marw.; Sh. 1960), to crunch between the teeth (Sh. 1960). Vbl.n. knirjin.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
To gi'e ane a knirjin, to press (press on) one, to give one a drubbing.
II. n. Pressing, squeezing (Ork. 1929 Marw.).
[An intensive variant of Knidge, phs. with influence from Norw. dial. knyrja, to crush, press.]