1. plural of kerne; light-armed foot soldiers or infantry, historically used in Ireland and Scotland
Usage: historical; archaic
2. plural of kerne; the hard central part of a fruit pit or seed
Usage: variant or dialectal form of 'kernels'

Examples

• The medieval Irish army included both mounted knights and light kernes.
• Historical records describe kernes as swift and agile warriors.
• The kernes were equipped with spears and shields for close combat.
• Some apple kernes contain compounds that are toxic in large quantities.