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.
Bretan(e, Bretayne, n. Also: Brettane, -ayne, Breitan. [ME. Bretayne, -eyne, OF. Bretaigne. Cf. Britane and Bertane.] Britain. Also Mekil or Mare Bretane.1375 Barb. i. 538.
Iulius Cesar … that wan Bretane and Fraunce Ib. x. 28.
I trow that nocht in all Bretane Ane hyer hill may fundyn be a1400 Leg. S. xl. 3.
This Sanct Niniane … In-to mekil Bretane wes borne c1420 Wynt. i. 14.
Quhill Brutus come in Mare Bretan Ib. 1335.
Blessyde Bretayne beelde sulde be Off all the Ilys in the Se c1450-2 Howlat 375.
Our braid Brettane all quhair c1475 Wall. xi. 1300.
Throuch braid Bretane the woice tharoff was scalyt c1500-c1512 Dunb. Flyt. 69.
Throw all Bretane it salbe blawin out 1535 Stewart 9332.
Of all Bretane … the nobill blude 1626 Garden Worthies 171.
March, mother Breitan, all in mvrning maner
