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.
Brain(e, Brane, n. Also: brayn(e, bran, braen, brean. [ME. braine (brane), brayne, brein, OE. bræᵹen, bræᵹn.] The brain. Also in pl.(a) c1475 Wall. ii. 50.
Bayn and brayn he gert in pecis fle 1513 Doug. i. Prol. 20.
With … barrand emptyve brayn Ib. iii. ix. 69.
Brayn, and eyn, and blude 1560 Rolland Seven S. 19/13.
Mannis braine and ingyne c1590 J. Stewart 171 § 3.
Quho may arrouse ȝour brains 1596 Dalr. I. 234/10.
Thinking thame … of S. Augustinis awne brayne to be invented(b) 1513 Doug. ix. vii. 114.
Blude and brane 1549 Compl. 16/3.
My dul rude brane a1568 Scott iv. 102.
I will not brek my brane a1585 Maitl. Q. lxxxv. 13.
Beat your branis therin 1596 Dalr. I. 151/23.
Of his awne brane and ingine 1580-92 James VI Lusus R. 19.
The caus that garris me brek my branis(c) 1564 St. A. Kirk S. 195.
Inventit be the braen of man 1600-1610 Melvill 439.
The peax quhilk he haid fantyseit in his brean
