v. Obs. exc. dial. Also 8–9 brit. [Cf. ON. brjóta, Sw. bryte, Da. bryde to break, destroy (trans.), corresp. to OE. bréotan to break, burst.] intr. Of grain, hops, etc.: To become over-ripe and shatter.
1669. Worlidge, Syst. Agric., viii. § 1 (1681), 152. It preserves the Hops from briting or shedding. Ibid., 323. Brite or bright: Barley, Wheat, and other Grain, and Hops are said to brite when they are over-ripe and shatter.
1674. Ray, S. & E. C. Wds., 60.
a. 1722. Lisle, Husb., Gloss. in F. Wds. (E. D. S.), Brit, to shed; to fall.
1883. Prior (in let. to Editor). In dry weather the grain falls from ears of wheat in the reaping and in Wiltshire is said to brit out.
