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: 1855-1933
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KNUR, n., v. Also (k)nurr, knir(r), nir(r), nyirr, and derivs. (k)norrie, norrow. [(k)nʌr, (k)nɪr; ′(k)nɔre, -o]
I. n. 1. A lump, bump, a weal or contusion resulting from a blow (Abd. 1825 Jam., (k)norrie; Ork. 1960).Ork. 1922 J. Firth Reminisc. 128:
When cropping her husband's head, she remarked on the “norrows” on his head.
‡2. The block or ball of wood used in shinty. Also in Eng. dial.; a large marble (Ork. 1960).Bwk. 1897 R. M. Calder Poems 236:
In simmer days, wi' shinties armed, We made the knurr to flee.
3. A decrepit, dwarfish, or wizened person (Rxb. 1825 Jam., nurr; Rnf. 1837 Crawfurd MSS. XI. 320, n(y)irr; Dmf. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XI. 129; Sc. 1887 Jam., nirr; Uls. 1953 Traynor), a dwarfish, stunted animal, a small insignificant thing (Uls. 1880 Patterson Gl., 1953 Traynor). Dim. nurrit, a dwarfish or insignificant person (Rxb. 1825 Jam., 1923 Watson W.-B.), a contemptuous term for a small boy (Watson), hence nurrited, dwarfish, of small stature.Sc. a.1856 G. Outram Lyrics (1874) 33:
Lot's wife was fresh compared to her; They've kyanised the useless knir.wm.Sc. 1868 Laird of Logan Add. 511:
Nir. — A little, ill-natured cur, always snarling; a crabbed, decrepit creature, full of talk and discontent.Ayr. 1890 J. Service Notandums 125:
Does ony bit nir o' a critic want a ggem at Blin'-stam amang the books?Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.:
She's a nurrited thing.
II. v. Only as ppl.adj. knurred, gnarled, knotted. Obs. in Eng. since 16th c. Liter.Sc. 1933 N. B. Morrison Gowk Storm iv. i.:
The trees outside seemed livid things to me, fretted and frayed with winds and knurred with age.
