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.
Quotation dates: 1900-1909
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BRIE, BRYE, v. and n.1 [bri: (Kcb.9); brəi (Arg.)]
1. v. To pound, to reduce to small particles. E.D.D. Suppl. s.v. bray, v., gives Sc. variant brie, but with no quot.
2. n. Sandstone or any friable stone pounded down to use for rubbing on doorsteps, etc. (Arg.1 1936, obs.).s.Arg. 1909 Colville 114:
My heart is a' to muilins minched, Brye, smuirach, daps, and gum.
Comb.: brie-stone, sand-stone (Lth., Lnk. 1936 (per Lnk.3)).Ayr. 1900 “G. Douglas” House with Green Shutters (1901) xxv.:
I gied it to Mrs Webster to break some brie-stone, to rub the front door-step wi'.
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"Brie v., n.1". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 19 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/brie_v_n1>
