Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BIRLIE-, BIRLY-BRACKS, n.pl. A game. See Barley-brack(s).Ags. 1794 W. Anderson The Piper of Peebles 7:
Fan fouk grey-hair'd, play'd birly-bracks.Ags. 1856 W. Grant A Few Poetical Pieces 23:
Now swankie lads an' hopefu' jades At birlie bracks a' prancin', Syne in they come to harvest home, To crown't wi' punch an' dancin'.
