An Etymological Dictionary of the Scottish Language / in which the words are explained in their different senses, authorized by the names of the writers by whom they are used, or the titles of the works in which they occur, and deduced from their originals

by John Jamieson

BIRKIN, BIRKEN, adj. Of, or belonging to birch; S.
Gawan and Gol.

A. S. beorcen, id.

To BIRL, BIRLE, v. a.
1. This word primarily signifies the act of pouring out, or furnishing drink for guests, or of parting it among them.
Douglas.
2. To ply with drink.
Minst. Border.
3. To drink plentifully, S.
Douglas.
4. To club money for the purpose of procuring drink. "I'll birle my bawbie," I will contribute my share of the expence; S.
Ramsay.

In Isl. it is used in the first sense; byrl-a, infundere, miscere potum. In A. S. it occurs in sense third, biril-ian, birl-ian, haurire. Hence byrle, a butler. Isl. byrlar, id. Birle, O. E. has the same signification.

To BIRL, v. n.
V. [Birr], v.

BIRLAW-COURT, also BIRLEY-COURT.
V. [Burlaw].

BIRLEY-OATS, BARLEY-OATS, s. pl. A species of oats, S.
Statist. Acc.

It seems to have received its name from its supposed resemblance to barley.

BIRLIE, s. A loaf of bread; S. B.

BIRLIN, s. A small vessel used in the Western Islands.
Martin.