Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CHAINZIE, n. Also chinn(e)y. Chain. Arch. [′tʃeŋ(j)i, ′tʃɛni. See P.L.D. § 110]Edb. 1816 Scott O. Mortality vi.:
Ye maun never, at no hand, speak o' leaving the land, or of selling the gowd chain, for your uncle has an unco pleasure in looking on you, and in counting the links of the chainzie.
Comb. chinny-wall, in mining: a narrow wall of coal left between different workings. See Chain, combs., above. m.Lth. 1761 Session Papers, Drummond v. Ferrier (26 June) 8:
Every bonus pater familias, in working his own Coal, leaves what is called a Chinny-wall upon the March, between his and any neighbouring Coal, of such thickness, as is deemed sufficient to keep out the Water of the neighbouring Coal.m.Lth. 1778 Session Papers, Petition A. Wauchope (10 July) 19:
No chinney-wall is held to be sufficient, unless it effectually shuts up or keeps out the water coming from the workings of the superior coal.
