Dictionary of the Scots Language
Dictionar o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology Cite this entry

KNARK, v., n. Also knjark, kjnark, (k)nirk, njirk. [(k)n(j)ɑrk, (k)n(j)ɪrk]

I. v. To make a grating noise, crack, creak, to crunch, as with the teeth, to squeak, as of boots (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 128, 1908 Jak. (1928), n(j)irk; Ork. 1929 Marw.; Sh. 1960). Sh. 1908  Jak. (1928):
De dog is kn(j)arkin op de beens.

II. n. 1. A creaking sound (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.; Mearns 1880 Jam.; Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928); Ork. 1929 Marw.).

2. A bite, a snap with the teeth (Sh. 1960). Sh. 1908  Jak. (1928):
De horses ga'e a knark de ane at de tidder. Sh. 1922  J. Inkster Mansie's Röd 153:
Sly gae da cat a kjnark ower da nears.