Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

†KENNER, n. Also kinner; caaner, cauner (Sth. a.1838 Jam. MSS. X. 35), prob. directly ad. Gael. càin. The chief man in a salmon coble, who directs the fishing (Mry.¹ 1928), “a water bailiff” (n.Sc. 1887 Jam.; Bch. 1910 A. Murray Peterhead a Cent. Ago 40, kinner). [′kɛnər]Mry. 1707 Morison Decisions 10913:
To have it declared that they, their tacks-men and kenners, have the sole right to fish in the water of Spey.Mry. 1795 Stat. Acc.¹ XIV. 393:
The fishing is carried on with small boats, called Cobles, with 8 men and an overseer, here called a Kenner, to each.Mry. 1845 Stat. Acc.² XIII. 122:
The fishing is with nets and small boats, each with seven men and a “kenner,” who is princeps of the band.