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.
Quotation dates: 1860-1902
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‡KNUITLE, v., n. Also knutle; kneetle (Abd.); ¶nettle (Gsw).
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), knock about. Vbl.n. kneetlin', nettlen, a thrashing.Gsw. 1860 J. Young Poorhouse Lays 25:
The nettlen wherefore we appear In sic a state.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.]
