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.
BRANK, v.2 Obs. in St.Eng. (N.E.D.), but still found in n.Eng. dial. in sense 1 (E.D.D.).
1. To prance, strut (Abd.22, Fif.10 1935); to bear oneself proudly (used fig.).Sc. 1816 Scott Antiquary (1818) xl.:
When Donald came branking down the brae.Fif. 1827 W. Tennant Papistry Storm'd 200:
Ilk tirlie-wirlie mawment bra, That had, for cent'ries ane or twa, Brankit on pillar or on wa', Cam tumblin' tap-owr-tail.
Hence brankin', brankan, ppl.adj., prancing, strutting; gay, lively.Sc. 1725 Ramsay Gentle Shepherd Act V. Sc. ii. in Poems (1728):
This Day her brankan Wooer takes his horse To strute a gentle Spark at Edinburgh Cross.Sc. 1822 A. Cunningham Trad. Tales II. 316:
I should like to lead her to a brankan bridal.Ags. 1846 A. Laing Wayside Flowers (1857) 108:
As they gaed out to dip their sark, Twa brankin' chiel's cam' in the gaet.
2. To dress oneself up, to prink.Sc. 1724–1727 Ramsay T. T. Misc. (1733) 181:
She brankit fast and made her bonny, And said, Jock, come ye here to woo?Bnff. 1927 Bothy Songs in Bnffsh. Jnl. (20 Aug.) 3/4; Fif.10 1935:
And now she's arrayed in her silks and brocade And can brank now for ruffs and muffs wi' ony lady.
Hence (1) brankin, ppl.adj., smartly dressed, (2) brankit, ppl.adj., vain, conceited, showy.(1) Peb. 1805 J. Nicol Poems II. 157:
An auld, doitit hav'rel! — Nae matter, He'll keep me ay brankin an' braw!(2) Dmf. 1810 R. H. Cromek Rem. Nithsd. and Gall. Song 97:
The brankit lairds o' Gallowa . . . Are 'yont the Hallan wooing at her.
