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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Quotation dates: 1824-1825

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BRACK, n. Brine. Obs. in St.Eng., last quot. in N.E.D. 1627.Fif., Clc., Dmf. 1825 Jam.2:
As saut's brack, i.e. as salt as brack; used to denote what is very salt, but confined to liquids or sorbile [liquid] food.

Hence brackit, adj., salt, bitter.s.Sc. 1824 J. Telfer Border Ballads 50:
When first it met the ladye's eyne, Suspensive joy was beaming, But when she saw what was within, The brackit tear was streaming.

[D.O.S.T. gives brak only as an adj. = briny. Prob. from Mid.Du. brac, Mid.Flem. brack (water), M.L.Ger. brack, salty (Bense); cf. Mod.Ger. brackwasser, Dan. brakvand, Sw. brackvatten, Mod.Eng. brackish.]

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