Obs. [a. OF. berner (bernier, brenier) feeder of hounds, huntsman, f. bran bran; cf. brenerie duty to provide bran to feed the hounds of the feudal lord; also med.L. bernarius, (explained by Hearne as keeper of a berne or ‘bear’).] An attendant in charge of a pack of hounds.
a. 1425. Master of Game (MS. Bodl. 546). Every man … saf the berners on foote and the chacechyens … sholde stonden afront … with roddes.
1601. F. Tate, Househ. Ord. Edw. II., § 57 (1876), 45, Fiftene buck houndes and one berner. The residew of the doges and the other berner shal be at the kinges costes.
