Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

†BRATCHET, n. A. Sc. form of arch. Eng. brachet. [′brɑtʃət]

1. A female hound.Sc. 1808 Scott Marmion ii. Intro.:
The bratchet's bay From the dark covert drove the prey.

2. “A true lover” (Slk. 1825 Jam.², s.v. bratchart).Ib.:
“She has seven wooers and a bratchet.” In this sense it seems to refer to the fidelity of a dog who constantly follows its master.

3. Extended to mean “a silly person” (Slk. 1825 Jam.², s.v. bratchart).

4. “A little mischievous boy or girl” (Teviotd. Ib.). Cf. Smatchet.Rxb. 1821 A. Scott Poems 72:
Aft hae I heard 'bout Cupid's shooting darts. . . . And mony a time wi' pleasin pain I ween, Has the blin' bratchet woundit mine [heart] for Jean.