subs. (old).—1. A child: in modern use almost invariably in contempt.
1566. GASCOIGNE, Flowers, etc., ‘De Profundis’ O Abrahams BRATTES, O broode of blessed seede.
1596. GOSSON, Pleasant Quippes for Upstart Newfangled Gentlewomen [HAZLITT, Remains of the Early Popular Poetry of England, IV. 250].
| And when proud princoks, rascals BRATTE, | |
| in fashions will be princes mate. |
c. 1696. B. E., A New Dictionary of the Canting Crew, s.v. BRAT, a little Child.
1809. MALKIN, Gil Blas [ROUTLEDGE], 168. A father’s pride in the BRAT.
1868. BROWNING, The Ring and the Book, iv., 612.
| A drab’s BRAT, | |
| A beggar’s bye-blow. |
2. (common).—A rag; shabby clothes; articles that are ‘mere rags’: see BRATFUL.
