Kern \Kern\, n. [Ir. ceatharnach.Cf. Cateran. ]

1. A light-armed foot soldier of the ancient militia of Ireland and Scotland; -- distinguished from gallowglass, and often used as a term of contempt. --Macaulay.

Now for our Irish wars; We must supplant those rough, rug-headed kerns. --Shak.

2. Any kind of boor or low-lived person. [Obs.]

--Blount.

3. (O. Eng. Law) An idler; a vagabond. --Wharton.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Kern \Kern\, n. (Type Founding) A part of the face of a type which projects beyond the body, or shank.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Kern \Kern\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Kerned; p. pr. & vb. n. Kerning. ] (Type Founding) To form with a kern. See 2d Kern.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Kern \Kern\, n. [AS. cweorn, cwyrn. See Quern. ] A hand mill. See Quern. --Johnson.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Kern \Kern\, n. [See Churn. ] A churn. [Prov. Eng.]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Kern \Kern\, v. i. [Cf. G. kern kernel, grain; akin to E. corn. See Corn, Kernel. ]

1. To harden, as corn in ripening. [Obs.]

--Carew.

2. To take the form of kernels; to granulate. [Obs.]

It is observed that rain makes the salt kern. --Dampier.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Kern \Kern\, n. [Written also kirn.]

[Cf. D. & G. kern kernal, E. kern to harden, kernel.]

[Obs. or Prov. Eng. & Scot.]

1. Kernel; corn; grain.

2. The last handful or sheaf reaped at the harvest.

3. The harvest-home.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)