[f. prec.]
1. trans. To harden; to render callous; also fig. Obs. (at least in fig. sense).
1571. Golding, Calvin on Ps. xlii. 5. Those which have bin enured to miserie from theyr chyldhood, wer brauned.
1593. Nashe, Christ’s T., 13 b. If thou hadst not embrued or brawned thine owne hands … in blood.
1641. Baker, Chron., 29/2. With continual kneeling her knees were brawned.
1653. A. Wilson, Jas. I., 91. Industry brawns and hardens the Armes.
2. intr. To become hard or callous.
1839–47. Todd, Cycl. Anat. & Phys., III. 254/2. This cutaneous cancer … consists of a brawning induration.
3. trans. To fatten (a boar).
1655. Moufet & Bennet, Health’s Improv., 66–7. The best way of brawning a Bore is this…. Before Christmas he will be sufficiently brawned with continual lying, and prove exceedingly fat, wholesome and sweet.
a. 1843. Southey, Nondescr., iv. Pigs were made for man … born to be brawn’d And baconized.
† 4. intr. To grow fat. (Of a boar.) Obs.
1580. Tusser, Husb., xv. (1878), 40. At Mihelmas safely go stie vp thy Bore … better he brawneth if hard he doo lie.
