Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1795-1845
[0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,1,1,1,1,1,1,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0]
KEIR, n.1 Also kier. The name given, in some parts of Scotland, to an ancient fortification (Sc. 1808 Jam.). Now only in place-names (Slg., Kcb. 1959). [ki:r]Slg. 1795 Stat. Acc.1 XVIII. 329:
There are several small heights in this parish, to which the name Keir is applied, which bear the marks of some ancient military work . . . The circumference of the rampart on the Keir-hill of Dasher . . . does not exceed 130 yards.Per. 1845 Stat. Acc.2 X. 1161:
Kier is one of a chain of rude forts. . . . There are also Kiers at Achinsalt . . . and in many other places in that direction, all similar to one another, in respect of situation, construction, prospect, and materials.
You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Keir n.1". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 18 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/keir_n1>
