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.
KURNUR, n. Also kirrnirr, korrnorr, kørrnørr. A murmur, mutter (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1960), gen. in phr. not to say kurnur, not to say a word, to be silent (Ib.). Cf. Kurnow. Also used as an int., keep quiet!, be silent! (Jak.). [kʌr′nʌr]
[Intensive prefix Cur- + Nurr, to purr.]