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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.

Knittell, Knyttill, Knettell, n. Also: knittall, knitell. [ME. knitt-, knyttel (1398), and OE. (once) cnyttels glossing L. nervus; also e.m.E. (1627– ) and mod. Eng. in specialised uses, esp. nautical (e.m.E. (1627) knettel).] A string or cord or piece of thin rope for tying. Found only in plur. 1529–30 M. Works Acc. (ed.) 17.
For xii faddum of small towis for knyttillis and bandis to the cart graitht 1545 Treas. Acc. VIII. 389.
Ane stane of myrling to be knittellis to the chalmeris of the cutthroattis Ib. 390.
Tuelf faldoum small cordis to be knittellis to the chargeouris 1555–6 Edinb. Old Acc. I. 185
For ane pund of knitellis to knit [pr. kintellis to kint] the samin brome on the housis 1555–6 Edinb. B. Rec. II. 325.
For ane pund of knitellis to knit [pr. kintellis to kint] the samin brome on the housis 1567 Edinb. Test. 29 b.
Ane pund of quhyt knittallis price thairof xxiiij s. 1579 Ib. VII. 85.
In buttones knettellis & uther small cramerie estimat to iiij l. 1581 Ib. X. 76.
Certane knettellis & birge thred estimat to iiij li. 1588 St. A. Test. II. 95 b.
Ane pund of knettellis price thairof xxx s.