Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
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.

BRASTLE, BRASSLE, BRAISSIL, BRAISSLE, Bracel, n. and v. [brɑsl, bresl]

1. n.

(1) In phr. to work by braissils, “to work unequally, making more exertion at one time than at another” (Rxb. 1825 Jam.²). Given as obs. by Watson in Rxb. W.-B. (1923).

(2) A struggle, a toil; a rush, a pell-mell scrimmage.Sc. 1825 Wilson Foresters (1867) xii.:
I should like to see the broose-that is, to here the brassle.Sc. 1834 Wilson Noctes Amb. (1855) IV. 99:
Sic a brassle a' three thegither up the brae.Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.:
A had a sair braissle wi' the wund.

2. v. “To work hurriedly” (Rxb. 1825 Jam.², s.v. braissil; 1923 Watson W.-B., obsol.); “to advanee hastily and with noise” (Slk. 1825 Jam.², s.v. bracel); to struggle; “to pant and perspire with exertion or toil” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).Sc. 1826 Wilson Noctes Amb. (1855) I. 234:
Seeing them . . . plouterin in the dubs, or brastlin up the braes, or sittin doun pechin on “Rest and be thankfu'!”Rxb.(D) 1925 E. C. Smith Mang Howes an Knowes 11:
Hei wad think A was fond, — braisslin on an stressin masel that gait in ony sic waather.