Sc. Obs. rare. [Of unknown etym. The erron. form kenyie (see (Jam.) is due to a misinterpretation of Ramsay’s spelling kenzie, in his edition of Christ’s Kirk.] A rough or rude fellow.
1500–20. Dunbar, Poems, lx. 16. Fowll jow jourdane heditjevellis, Cowkin kenseis and culroun kewellis.
15[?]. Christis Kirke Gr., vii. (Bann. MS.). The kensy cleikit to the cavell, Bot, Lord, than how they luggit.
15[?]. Colkelbie Sow, I. 351 (ibid.). Curris, kenseis, and knavis, Inthrang and dansit in thravis.
