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.
BRAITHE, BREATH, BRAED, BRED, v. “To melt” (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., s.v. braed; 1914 Angus Gl., s-v. braed; Ork. 1887 Jam.6; 1929 Marw., braithe). [bræd, brɛd Sh.; bre:ð, bri:ð Ork.]Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Bred. To melt; liquefy, e.g. oil from liver (cod liver) or blubber, to b[red] oil.Ork. 1920 J. Firth Reminisc. Ork. Par. (1922) 103:
The livers [of the sillocks] . . . were washed in fresh water and laid on straw to “sype” (drain). They were then . . . cooked over the fire until all the oil was extracted. This was called “breathing” the livers.
