Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

‡KEAVE, v., n. Also kave. Obsol. variants of Cave, n.³, v.¹, q.v.

I. v. To toss, gen. of cattle: to toss the horns in a threatening way (Slk. 1825 Jam.; Bwk., Wgt. 1959); also fig., to threaten.Sc. 1821 Jacob. Relics (Hogg) 40:
Deil claw the traitors wi' a flail, That took the midden for their bail, And kiss'd the cow ahint the tail, That keav'd at kings themsel.Gall. a.1900 “Mulciber Veritatis” Gallowa' Herds 6:
The creest-leydit wratch wad ye kaved 'neath the hatch. That's lid to the sink o' perdition.

II. n. A toss, hoist.Clc. 1862 D. Taylor Poems 31:
We'll see an' get seven great elephants sunk To gie't a most powerful keave up wi' their trunk.