Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†BRAIF, adj. Loosely used as a gen. epithet of admiration: worthy, excellent, good. Cf. Eng. a brave show. The “braif toun” was the name applied by its bards to the city of Aberdeen.Abd. 1851 W. Anderson Rhymes, etc. 107:
I've been watchin' mony a year Ilk change that's happen'd roun' and roun', Throughout our “braif,” auld farrent toun.
