braw, a., n., adv. Sc.
(brɔː)
Also bra'.
[Sc. form of brave, in old pronunciation (braːv): cf. ca' = calve, ha', hae = have, etc.]
A. adj.
1. = brave a. 2; finely-dressed; splendid, showy.
| 1724 Ramsay Tea-t. Misc. (ed. 9) I. 8 She was the brawest in a' the town c 1774 C. Keith Farmer's Ha', Put on your best array, And let's be braw. 1785 Burns Cotter's Sat. Nt. iv, To show a braw new gown. 1816 Scott Old Mort. v, ‘Ye think yoursell a braw fellow enow; and troth..there's na fault to find wi' the outside.’ Ibid. vi. |
2. = brave 3; worthy, excellent, capital, fine.
| c 1565 R. Lindsay Cron. Scotl. (1728) 584 (Jam.) The recorder of Barvick..maid ane braw speech to his majestie. 1739 A. Nicol Poems 27 (Jam.) 'Tis unka bra', When ilka thing yields pleasure. 1814 Scott Wav. xxxix, ‘Ow ay, sir! a braw night’, replied the lieutenant. 1827 J. Wilson Noct. Ambr. Wks. 1855 I. 357 Peter my braw man..bring but a bottle o' primrose wine. |
3. Hence phrases braw and able, braw and canty, braw and soon, etc.: cf. the similar use of fine, nice.
| 1768 Ross Helenore 52 (Jam.) Look'd braw and canty whan she came in by. |
B. n. pl. = bravery 3; fine clothes, finery.
| 1724 Ramsay Tea-t. Misc. (1733) I. 100 When she glaicks paughty in her braws. 1795 Macneill Will & Jean, Thousands had mair braws and siller, But were ony half sae fair? 1818 Scott Hrt. Midl. xvi, ‘But, Madge, the lads only like ye when ye hae on your braws.’ |