A euphemism for “The dear Lord knows,” used in the North of Ireland, and in some parts of England. It may be called a piece of Presbyterian swearing. Knight’s explanation, infra, is mistaken. Notes and Queries, 8 S. xi. 5, 57, 175, 253.
1814. “The dear knows,” for “the demon knows,” is noted as a Philadelphianism by Henry C. Knight (‘Arthur Singleton’).—‘Letters from the South and West,’ p. 30 (Boston, 1824).
1876. “Dear knows,” said Catharine, “when we shall see them back.”—White Cross, xxxvii. 236. (N.E.D.)
