We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By clicking 'continue' or by continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings in your browser at any time.

Continue
Find out more

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

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

†YONSI, n. Also jonsi, jonsa (Jak.). A sea-taboo term for a hen (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).Sh. 1938 I. B. S. Holborn Foula 125:
Cock and hen are called “chanticleer and yonsis.”

[Dim. form from Norw. dial. høns, n.pl., poultry. Cf. O.N. hœns, id., hœna, a hen.]

30039

snd