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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

WHAEN, n. Alao hwen (Jak.), hwini; kwen, kwin(g)(i) (Jak.). A ram incapable of procreation, a hermaphrodite sheep (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1974). [ʍen(i), ʍin(gi); kwen, kwin(gi)]Sh. 1898 Shetland News (1 Oct.):
Hit wis a ting o' a whaen an' for nae üse aless ta peck da banes o'.

[Sh. forms of Quean, q.v. For the meaning cf. Du. kween, a hermaphrodite or sterile cow (an extended usage of kween, a woman), from which the Sh. word may be directly derived. The form kwingi would represent the Du. dim. kweenke(n), -kijn.]

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