Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

CLIVIN, Kliven(s), Kleevins, n. A cleft implement, tongs (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., kleevins; 1908 Jak. (1928), kliven(s)). Also in form kloving (Sh. 1902 E.D.D.). [′klɪvən(s), ′kli:vən(s)]Ork. 1883 R. M. Fergusson Rambling Sketches xiv.:
It was a very unlucky thing to tread upon the tongs, which were known under the name of clivin.