Kens

/kɛnz/ verb

Definition

Knows or understands something; to have knowledge of (Scottish and archaic English usage).

Etymology

From Old English 'cennan' and Old Norse 'kenna' meaning 'to know or teach.' Still used in Scottish English but archaic in standard English.

Kelly Says

In Scottish English, people still say 'I dinna ken' (I don't know)—it's the same root that became 'canny' (careful, shrewd), because knowing things made you clever!

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