A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Birsall, Birsell, n. Also: birsol, bersall. [Variant of Brissell.]
1. The dye-stuff obtained from brazil wood.1545 Aberd. Reg. XIX (J).
Madder, alm, walde, birsall, nutgallis & coprous 1654 Stirling B. Rec. I. 216.
To litt any yairne … with caprus, gallis, blew, birsall, or any uther unsufficient litt 1694 Dundee B. Laws 453.
Bersall and amme 1710 Ib. 454.
The taking of any birsol and alm to put upon ther bonnets
2. Brazil wood.1605 Black Bk. Taymouth 344.
Ane pair of tabells of birsell
