Obs. [perh. f. COLE sb.1 + KNIFE.] A long or large knife; perhaps the same as the Scotch kail-gully ‘a large knife, used for cutting and shearing down coleworts’ (Jamieson).
c. 1460. Towneley Myst., Prima Pastorum, 85. Bosters and bragers God kepe us fro, That with thare long dagers dos mekylle wo, From alle bylle hagers with colknyfes that go.
