Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BRUSH, v.2 “To remove part of the roof or pavement by blasting or otherwise in order to heighten the roadway” (Sc. 1886 J. Barrowman Sc. Mining Terms 13, Rnf. 1920 Memoirs Geol. Survey Scot., Gloss. Sc. Mining Terms). Known to Fif.10, Edb.1, Lnk.3 1936.Gsw. 1920 Memoirs Geol. Survey Scot. (Area IV.) 81:
The average section in these workings showed: — Blaes, brushed; Clayband; Blaes; Clayband.
Vbl.n. brushing, (1) “that part of the roof or pavement of a seam removed to form roadways” (Sc. 1886 J. Barrowman Sc. Mining Terms 13; Lnk. 1920 Memoirs Geol. Survey Scot. (Area VII.), App.); (2) (see quot.).(2) Sc. 1920 Glasgow Herald (1 March):
The refusal of the management to sanction an extension of the grouping system of brushing, under which a number of men shared their earnings from brushing work.
Hence also brusher, one who removes part of roof or pavement in heightening a roadway (Sc. 1883 W. S. Gresley Glossary 36; Fif.10, Slg.3 1936); brushy, in small fragments, crumbly, of coal.Sc. 1920 Glasgow Herald (1 March):
A serious dispute was reported from Dysart Colliery, where the brushers had ceased work.Fif. 1845 Stat. Acc.2 IX. 91:
Where it peeps out, it is at times quarried by the poor people; of course it is small and brushy.
