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.
‡KNUITLE, v., n. Also knutle; kneetle (Abd.).
I. v. To strike or squeeze hard with the knuckles (Rnf. 1825 Jam.), to keep striking with feeble blows, to pummel weakly (Rxb. 1825 Jam.), to press down (Sh. 1960). Vbl.n. kneetlin', a thrashing.Abd. 1902 E.D.D.:
Kneetle't weel doun. Johnny's gotten a kneetlin' frae anither loon the day.
II. n. In pl.: a thrashing, a beating (Rnf. 1837 Crawfurd MSS. XI. 320).
[Phs. a deriv. of Knoit, v., n.2, with influence from Knuckle.]
