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.
BRAWLINS, Bralans, n.pl. Also in forms brylies (Sc. 1808 Jam.), brawlans, breilachs, and breilacs. [′brɑ:lɪ̢nz, ′brəilɪçs, ′brəiləxs]
‡1. “The name is sometimes applied to the fruit of the Vaccinium vitis Idæa, or red bill-berry” (n.Sc. 1808 Jam.); “cranberry” (Sc. 1814 J. Sinclair Gen. Report Agric. of Scot. II. 117; Mry.1 1914, brawlans, breilachs).Abd. after 1768 A. Ross Fortunate Shepherd MS. 20:
Here in thick spots the rype blae-berries grow, The bralans there like very scarlet glow.Ags. 1848 W. Gardiner Flora of Forfarshire 119:
Red Whortle-berry, or Cowberry. . . . The berries, called “Brawlins,” grow in little clusters like grapes; when ripe, of a fine scarlet colour, and pleasant acid taste.Ags. 1856 W. Grant Few Poet. Pieces 15:
North 'mang the heather whar brawlins does grow.
†2. “The trailing strawberry tree, or Bear-berry. Arbutus uva-ursi (Linn.)” (n.Sc. 1808 Jam.).
3. “Rubus chamæmorus, cloudberry” (Sc1814 J. Sinclair Gen. Report Agric. of Scot. II. 117, breilacs).
[The forms brawlins, bralan(s), brawlans are from Gael. braoileagan, pl. of braoileag, a whortleberry, with new pl. formed in s; brylies and breilachs are from the sing. of the Gael. word.]
