A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1512, 1596-1628, 1690
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Kan, n. [Var. of Can n.1] A vessel (not necessarily of metal) for holding liquids. b. In Shetland, as a liquid measure, esp. of oil: see also Can n.1, quots. 1576; (corresp. to ON. kanna, also Norw. kanne, Da. kande, MHG. and mod. Germ. kanne, MDu. kanne (Du. kan), etc., all in similar use). — 1512 Treasurer's Accounts IV. 298.
Thre dussone drinkyne kannis 1596 Elgin Rec. II. 45.
The said Isbell … maid a certane commixtioun of oyle and vther thingis and left the same in a kan 1690 Foulis Acc. Bk. 118.
To the Falkirk carrier for bringing the kan with … honeyb. 1602 Shetland Sheriff Ct. (S.R.S.) 44.
That … the Dutche merchandis … bringis to the contrie and sellis thair wairis with unlawfull mettis, kannis, busmeris and wechtis 1602 Ib. 45.
That na Dutche merchand … sell ony barrell meile contening les nor ten leispundis and that the rest of thair kannis [etc.] … be useit according tothe auld accustomit forme of the contrie 1628 Goudie Shetl. Antiq. 178.]
[Anent the … Measuris … of the Dewties of Yetland, … Ane can oyllie is the measure of a Scottis quart … ; 4 canis makis ane bull and 9 bullis makis ane barrell oyllie
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"Kan n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 18 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/kan_n>
