Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1809, 1866-1874, 1929
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ONKENT, pa.p., ppl.adj. Also onkenned (Kcb. 1893 Crockett Stickit Minister 120). Unknown, unseen, unobserved (Bnff. 1880 Jam.; Abd. 1915 H. Beaton Benachie 176). Construed with till, to, o' = by (Bnff. 1964). Used as a n. in 1809 quot. = a stranger.Abd. 1809 J. Skinner Amusements 103:
Now, honest onkent, fare ye weel.Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 120:
He geed awa on-kent o's (or till's) father.ne.Sc. 1874 D. Macgregor The Scald 10:
Whaur Tim got the whiskey is therefore onkent, and is like to remain sae.ne.Sc. 1929 M. W. Simpson Day's End 19:
An' wha is't rins wi' the win's, onkent, Wha cries wi' the wee win's cry?
