v. Also kerve, curve. [a. ON. kyrfa to carve:—*kurðjan: see KERF.]
† 1. To carve. Hence kirving-knife, carving-knife. Obs. rare.
1484–5. Acc. Rolls Durham (Surtees), 649. Pro emundacione de le kirvyngknyffez d’ni Prioris, 12d.
2. Coal-mining. To undercut a seam; to hole. Hence Kirving vbl. sb., the wedge-shaped excavation made with the pick at the bottom of a seam, previous to blasting or bringing down the coal.
1827. Wilson, Pitman’s Pay, II. xxvii. What he gat was varty sma’, Frae out the kirvens and the nickens.
1851. Greenwell, Coal-trade Terms Northumb. & Durh., 33. The coals obtained from the kirving are always small; and as the size of the kirving is pretty constant … it follows that a greater per centage of small is made in working a thin than a thick seam of coal.
1865. Jevons, Coal Quest. (1866), 72. The waste of coal in the ‘kirving’ or cut made by the hewer.
1883. Gresley, Gloss. Coal Mining, Kirve, to hole.
Hence † Kirver (in 6 kyrvour), a carver. Obs.
1536–7. Acc. Rolls Durham (Surtees), 703. Sol. Thome Whythed, kyrvor, 20s.
