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.
KURNOW, n. Also kirnaou, kirniaw. The mew of a cat (Ork. 1929 Marw.; Sh. 1960).
Phr. not to say kurnow, not to utter a syllable. Cf. Kurnur. [kər′n(j)ʌu]Ork. 1910 Old-Lore Misc. III. i. 32:
Afore he could say kirniaw!Ork. 1931 J. Leask Peculiar People 136:
'E niver said kirnaou.
