† ˈbritchel, a. Obs. exc. dial.
Forms: 3 bruchel, 8–9 (dial.) britchel.
[ME. bruchel (ü):—OE. brycel; cf. brickle.]
Liable to break; brittle.
| a 1225 Ancr. R. 164 Þis bruchele uetles is bruchelure þene beo eni gles. c 1230 Hali Meid. 13 Hwen þu hare liflade i þi bruchele flesch wiðute bruche leadest. 1674 Ray N.C. Wds. 8 Brichol [printed brichoe], brittle. Var. Dial. and Chesh. 1857 J. Scholes Jaunt to see Queen 47 in Lanc. Gloss., As britchel as egg-shells. |