Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

CANNEL, Camel, n. and v. [′kɑn(ə)l Sc., but Mry. + ′kɑm(ə)l]

1. n. The sloping edge of an axe, chisel or plane after sharpening (Bnff.², Ags.¹⁷, Kcb.⁹ 1938; Rxb. 1825 Jam.²). Also applied to the edge of a tool slightly rounded in the process of sharpening; to have a cannel on often means that the bevelling has been unsatisfactory (Abd.⁹ 1939).Abd.⁸ (Upper Deeside) 1917:
Gae t' the grinstane an' pit on a langer cannel.

2. v.

(1) “To chamfer” (Sc. 1808 Jam.); “to bevel, put a new bevel on” (Abd.² 1938).

(2) “To give the wrong slope (bevel) to the edge of the tool being sharpened” (Bnff.² 1938), to turn the edge (Abd.⁹ 1938).Mry. 1910 J. Grant in Northern Scot:
Green hands were apt to cannel the edge of the scythe.Mry. 1913 R. Cairns in Kenilworth Mag. (March) 54:
Man, yer nae ees, ye'v camelled that scythe wi' yer games.