Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CHIRNEL, Churnel, n. “A kernel or small hard swelling in the neck of a young person” (Sc. 1887 Jam.6). Pl. churnels, swollen glands (Ib.). Also found in n.Eng. dial., mostly in comb. waxing chirnels (E.D.D.). Cf. Kernel, n., 2. [′tʃɪ̢rnəl, ′tʃʌrnəl]Ib.:
This ailment is also called waxen chirnels, a corr[uption] of waxing (growing) chirnels, because it is common to young people during periods of growth.
