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.
KNUCK, n. Also (k)nock, knokk (Jak.), hnokk (Angus) and dim. forms nokki, nukki (Jak.). [(k)nʌk, (k)nɔk]
1. A number of bundles or rowers of wool carded and tied together ready for spinning (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl.; I.Sc. 1960).Sh. 1898 Shetland News (19 Feb.):
Shü ran doon da hidmist rower o' a knuck, an, open'd anidder ane at shü hed lyin' afore da fire.Ork. 1922 J. Firth Reminisc. 39:
When a dozen or two rowars had been carded, the bunch was grasped by each end, given a few twists round, and formed into a knock, and then the spinning began.Sh. 1951 New Shetlander No. 29. 34:
Each 20 or 25 “rowers” were made into what was called “nock.”
2. A small sheaf or bundle of prepared straw for making a Kishie (Sh., Cai. 1960).Cai. 1907 County of Cai. (Horne) 73:
Gloy is bound up in little sheaves four or five inches in diameter. These are now called tates or knocks of gloy.
