Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BRAIN, n.2 Spirit, mettle. Not known to our correspondents.Lth. 1825 Jam.2:
“He has a brain”; he has a high temper.
Hence brainy, (1) “unmanageable, high-mettled; applied to a horse” (Lth. 1825 Jam.2); (2) “spirited, lively; applied to man” (w.Sc. Ib.); also known to Fif.10 1935.
