Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1724, 1818, 1991
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BRAIN, v.2, n.3 Also brehn.
1. v. "To hurt or wound, to beat severely" (Abd.2, Fif.10, Lnl.1, Arg.1, Ayr.8 1935); "to stun by a blow on the head" (Cai. 1907 D. B. Nicolson in County of Cai. 66). In these senses not used in St.Eng.Sc. 1818 Scott H. Midlothian xxxii.:
And me to be brained by my mother when I gang hame, and a' for your sake.Lnk. 1724 P. Walker Life and Death of Peden 91–92:
Mr Gordon being in Drink . . . and going up Stairs, he lost his Feet, and brained himself.
Hence brainan, vbl.n., "a severe injury" (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 218).
2. n.
(1) "A severe injury" (Ib.).
(2) Sc. form of Eng. brain. (2)Dundee 1991 Ellie McDonald The Gangan Fuit 38:
" ... Ye maun think yer smert, but I wadnae craa.
Whan it comes tae anatomy, yer brehns
is in yer feet." Man, whit a coup d'etat.
