Obs. Also 6 brey, 6–7 braie. [a. F. braie = med.L. braca dike, embankment: of unknown origin.] A military outwork; a mound or bank defended by palisades and watchtowers. False braye (ad. Fr. fausse braie): an advanced parapet surrounding the main rampart.
1512. Act 4 Hen. VIII., i. § 1. To make Bulwerkes, Brayes, Walles, Diches, and al other fortificacions.
1546. St. Papers Hen. VIII., XI. 205. He knowith of no newe fortification … saving only a newe braye about their fort.
1575. Laneham, Lett. (1871), 2. A fayre Park on the one side, which by the Braiz is linked too the castl on the South.
1577. Holinshed, Chron., II. 857. The king that was walking aloft on the braies of the wals.
1599. Hakluyt, Voy., II. 122. A Brey and Cortaine without was battered by the forts.
1645. Symonds, in United Serv. Mag. (1842), II. 467. There is … a pallizado above the false bray.
1653. Urquhart, Rabelais, III. Prol. Contrived platforms, barricadoed the false brayes.
