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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BRATH, Braith, v. “To plait straw-ropes round a stack, crossing them at intervals” (n.Sc. 1808 Jam.). [brɑθ, breθ]

Hence, †(1) cross-brath'd, ppl.adj., closely woven or plaited; (2) braithin, brathin, vbl.n. (see quots.). See also Braid, n.(1) Ags. 1794 W. Anderson Piper of Peebles 6:
A bulgy knap O' thread, cross-brath'd.
(2) Ork. 1929 Marw.:
Braithin. The top “go” or band round mouth of a “kubby,” etc. This upper “gang” or band is made stouter and firmer than the rest so as to keep the shape fairly rigid.
Ags. 1808 Jam.:
Brathins. The cross ropes of the roof of a thatched house, or stack.

[O.N. bregða, to bind, pass a rope round a thing (Zoëga); O.E. bregdan, to weave.]

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