Obs. Forms: α. 3–7 kernel, (pl. 3 kerneaus), 4 cernel, 5 kernell. β. (chiefly north.) 3–6 kirnel, (5 -elle), 4–6 kyrnell, (5 -elle,) 5–6 kyrnale, (5 -aill, -eill). [a. ONF. kernel in same sense, variant (by metathesis) of OF. crenel (now créneau); see CRENEL. A third OF. form, carnel, quarnel (mod.F. carneau) gave ME. CARNEL and CORNEL1.] An indentation or embrasure in the battlement of a wall; = CRENEL sb. 1. Also pl. (rarely sing.) = battlements.

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a. 1225.  Ancr. R., 62. And nis heo … to folherdi, þet halt hire heaued baldeliche uorð vt iþen open kernel … Þe kerneaus of þe castel beoð hire huses þurles.

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a. 1300.  Cursor M., 10016. Þe bailles thre o þat castel, Þat ar sa wel wroght wit kirnel [Gött. cernel].

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c. 1330.  R. Brunne, Chron. (1810), 326. Wallis & kirnels stoute þe stones doun bette.

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c. 1400.  Rom. Rose, 4195. In the kernels heere and there, Of arblasters grete plente were.

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c. 1425.  Wyntoun, Cron., II. i. 37. Ane archare in a kyrnale stude.

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c. 1430.  Pilgr. Lyf Manhode, I. iii. (1869), 2. At þe kernelles ouer þe yate … j seyh þe penselles hanginge.

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1560.  Rolland, Crt. Venus, II. 586. With subtill wark it was sa roborat. Properlie alswa with kirnalis weill quadrat.

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1652.  Urquhart, Jewel, Wks. (1834), 196. Outjetting of kernels, erecting of prickets, barbicans, and such like.

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