Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

KEIR, v. Also keer. Cai. forms of Cair, q.v., to prepare threshed corn for winnowing by shaking it up to sift out broken fragments of straw, etc. (Cai. 1934–59). Vbl.n. keirens, the broken straws, etc., thus removed. Cf. P.L.D. § 147.1. [keⁱr]Cai. 1916 John o' Groat Jnl. (7 April):
When the day's thrashing was over, the straw was made up into “winleens,” the corn was “keered,” ridding it of all “strumps” and short straw.