Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
KNUB, n., v. Also knobb (Jak.). [(k)nʌb, (k)nob]
I. n. 1. A log, a short cudgel or club (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928)); fig. a short, thick, sturdy person (Jak.).
2. A thump, knock, sharp blow, a bump raised by such a blow (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 128, 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1960). Cf. Eng. dial. nub, a nudge, prod.Sh. 1836 Gentleman's Mag. II. 591:
Whin I'd geen him a gude trist o' da kreag, an tree or four sonsee knubs aboot da shafts.
II. v. To push; to strike, thump, pummel; to raise a bump by a blow (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 128, 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1960). Obs. exc. dial. in Eng.
[Norw. dial. knub(b), log of wood, knubba, to push, press, Dan. knubbe, to strike.]
