Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
TENOR, n.2, v. Also tanner (Bwk. 1972).
I. n. 1. A tenon or projection on a piece of wood cut to fit into a mortise or hole on another (Sc. 1808 Jam.; Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.). Gen.Sc. Comb. tenor-, tanner-saw, a tenon saw. Gen.Sc.Abd. 1851 W. Anderson Rhymes 33:
You're [a razor] just as rough's a tenor saw.Fif. 1868 St Andrews Gaz. (15 Aug.):
A tanner saw and set stone.
2. The cross-bar between the legs of a chair (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.).
II. v. To cut a tenon on (a piece of wood). Gen.Sc.Sc. 1858 H. Stephens Farm Implements 524:
The horizontal bars are “tannered” at the ends by machinery.
