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.
KNOCKER, n. 1. In shoemaking: an old file with the tang knocked off, used for striking in nails by a shoemaker working at a bench, the roughness of the surface of the file preventing the nail from flying out when struck (Abd. 1960); 2. = knocking-mell s.v. Knock, v.1, 3. (2) (a).Sh. 1931 Scots Mag. (Aug.) 335:
By means of the “knocker,” a piece of hard wood fashioned with a knob-like end, the grain was converted into meal or flour.
