a., sb., adv. Sc. Also bra’. [Sc. form of BRAVE, in old pronunciation (brāv): cf. ca’ = calve, ha’, hae = have, etc.]

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  A.  adj.

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  1.  = BRAVE a. 2; finely dressed; splendid, showy.

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1724.  Ramsay, Tea-t. Misc. (ed. 9), I. 8. She was the brawest in a’ the town.

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c. 1774.  C. Keith, Farmer’s Ha’. Put on your best array, And let’s be braw.

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1785.  Burns, Cotter’s Sat. Nt., iv. To show a braw new gown.

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1816.  Scott, Old Mort., v. ‘Ye think yoursell a braw fellow enow; and troth … there’s na fault to find wi’ the outside.’ Ibid., vi.

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  2.  = BRAVE 3; worthy, excellent, capital, fine.

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c. 1565.  R. Lindsay, Cron. Scotl. (1728), 584 (Jam.). The recorder of Barvick … maid ane braw speech to his majestie.

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1739.  A. Nicol, Poems, 27 (Jam.). ’Tis unka bra’, When ilka thing yields pleasure.

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1814.  Scott, Wav., xxxix. ‘Ow ay, sir! a braw night,’ replied the lieutenant.

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1827.  J. Wilson, Noct. Ambr., Wks. 1855, I. 357. Peter my braw man … bring but a bottle o’ primrose wine.

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  3.  Hence phrases braw and able, braw and canty, braw and soon, etc.: cf. the similar use of fine, nice.

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1768.  Ross, Helenore, 52 (Jam.). Look’d braw and canty whan she came in by.

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  B.  sb. pl. = BRAVERY 3; fine clothes, finery.

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1724.  Ramsay, Tea-t. Misc. (1733), I. 100. When she glaicks paughty in her braws.

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1795.  H. Macneill, Will & Jean, 15.

        Thousands had mair braws and siller,
But were ony half sae fair?

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1818.  Scott, Hrt. Midl., xvi. ‘But, Madge, the lads only like ye when ye hae on your braws.’

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