Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Birn irne, n. Also: birne, byrne; yrne, yron, iron. [Northern ME. birne iron (1485). Cf. Burn iron.] A branding iron. (Cf. Birning irne,n.) 1505 Treas. Acc. III. 149.
To Henry, lorymair, for ane byrne irn to the Kingis staggis 1529 Aberd. B. Rec. I. 124.
Ane byrne irne to be put vpone thair chekis that brekis ony of the saidis statutis 1578 Inverness B. Rec. I. 264.
Thai salbe brynt on the cheik wvth ane byrne irne 1594 Aberd. B. Rec. II. 103.
The rowping … of the birne irnis and stampis 1609 Conv. Burghs II. 184.
The barrellis … to be brunt with the byrne yrne of the brugh 1671 Rec. Old Aberd. I. 122.
That ther be a seall or birne yron maid for marking of all timber [etc.] 1683 Ann. Banff I. 162.
If she return, she is … to be brunt on the cheek … with ane hot key or birn iron