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

It may be formed from Belg. broed-en, to brood, to hatch; all creatures being fond of their young.

BROWDYN, part. pa. Embroidered.
Wyntown.

C. B. brod-io, and Fr. brod-er, to embroider. Isl. brydd-a, pungere, brodd, aculeus.

BROWDIN, part. pa. Expl. "clotted, defiled, filthy," Gl. Sibb.
Chr. Kirk.

Teut. brodde, sordes.

BROWDYNE, part. pa. Displayed, unfurled.
Barbour.

A. S. braed-an, to dilate, to expand.

BROWNIE, s. A spirit, till of late years supposed to haunt some old houses, those, especially, attached to farms. Instead of doing any injury, he was believed to be very useful to the family, particularly to the servants, if they treated him well; for whom, while they took their necessary refreshment in sleep, he was wont to do many pieces of drudgery, S.
Douglas.

Ruddiman seems to think that these spirits were called Brownies, from their supposed "swarthy or tawny colour." They may be viewed as corresponding with the Swartalfar, i. e. swarthy or black elves of the Edda, as the Liosalfar, or white elves, are analogous to our Fairies.

BROWST, BROWEST, s.
1. As much malt liquor as is brewed at a time, S.
Burrow Lawes.
2. Used metaph. to denote the consequences of any one's conduct, especially in a bad sense. This is often called "an ill browst," S.
Kelly.