skean dhu

American  

[thoo, doo] / ðu, du /

noun

1. a small knife tucked into or worn against the top of a stocking in the full dress of Highland Scottish males.

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skean-dhu British  

/ ˈskiːn-, ˈskiːənˈduː /

noun

1. a variant of sgian-dhu

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Etymology

Origin of skean dhu

First recorded in 1810–20, skean dhu is from Scots Gaelic sgian dhubh literally, “black skean”

Example Sentences

During their combat, however, some of Macpherson’s gillies approached the spot; and Cameron perceived them nearing him with kindling eyes, and holding in their impatient hands the skean dhu half unsheathed.

From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland, Volume VI by Leighton, Alexander

It is my grandfather's skean dhu," he said: "I mend my pens with it, you know!

From Donal Grant, by George MacDonald by MacDonald, George

From his belt depended some instruments, with the use of which Macpherson was entirely unacquainted; together with a skean dhu of exquisite and uncommon workmanship.

From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland, Volume VI by Leighton, Alexander

Angus, in short, although they had made him a clergyman, would, it was believed by those who knew him, have carried his skean dhu with him to the pulpit.

From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland Volume 14 by Various