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.
†BRATCHET, n. A. Sc. form of arch. Eng. brachet. [′brɑtʃət]
1. A female hound.Sc. 1808 Scott Marmion ii. Intro.:
The bratchet's bay From the dark covert drove the prey.
2. “A true lover” (Slk. 1825 Jam.2, s.v. bratchart).Ib.:
“She has seven wooers and a bratchet.” In this sense it seems to refer to the fidelity of a dog who constantly follows its master.
3. Extended to mean “a silly person” (Slk. 1825 Jam.2, s.v. bratchart).
4. “A little mischievous boy or girl” (Teviotd. Ib.). Cf. Smatchet.Rxb. 1821 A. Scott Poems 72:
Aft hae I heard 'bout Cupid's shooting darts. . . . And mony a time wi' pleasin pain I ween, Has the blin' bratchet woundit mine [heart] for Jean.
