dint

1) As a noun this meant a hard blow, given by a weapon or heavy tool.

Charlemagne is said to have won Spain ‘with dint of sword’. It was used frequently in connection with smith-work from the thirteenth century and gave rise to an interesting by-name: in 1332 the smith in Snaith was named John Ferreur whereas his son was known as Henry Dynthard. An East Riding farmer’s comment on shearers was: 1642 The next good shearer is hee that taketh a good handfull att every cutte, for some theire are that will take as much att one dinte as others will doe att three, Elmswell .

places Elmswell Snaith
dates 1332 1642

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