kenspecked

English

Etymology

From ken +‎ specked, or kenspeck +‎ -ed.

Adjective

kenspecked

1. (UK, dialect, Northern England, obsolete) Marked and easily recognized; kenspeck.
   • 1803, Thomas Chatterton, “Heraudyn”, in The Works of Thomas Chatterton  […], volume II, London: Biggs and Cottle, page 135:

     Yynge Heraudyn al bie the grene Wode sate, / Hereynge the swote Chelandrie ande the Oue, / Seeinge the kenspecked amaylde flourettes nete, / Envyngynge to the Birds hys Love songe true.

   • 1841, Richard Winter Hamilton, “On the Yorkshire Dialect”, in Nugæ Literariæ: Prose and Verse, London, Leeds: Hamilton, Adams & Co.; Smith, Elder & Co.; Jackson & Walford; J. Y. Knights; John Cross, page 336:

     A piece of money is sworn to after a robbery,—it has a hole in it —a sheep upon a similar circumstance is identified,—it is peculiarly coloured;—and prabably the thief himself, from a peculiar physiognomy, is pointed out,—as kenspecked.

   • 1979, Peter Wright, Cumbrian Dialect, Dalesman Books, page 11:

     Ewes can be souted (diseased), sheep can be kessen (on their backs and unable to rise), and various animals kenspecked (branded, marked).