† ˈberner 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. |