Part 74 (2/2)

_Gawan and Gol._

Perhaps allied to Franc. _buer_, a cottage; _byre_, Su. G. _byr_, a village; Germ. _bauer_, habitaculum, cavea; from Su. G. _bo_, _bu-a_, to dwell. Or from Isl. _bu_, a cow; Gael. _bo_, id.

BIRK, _s._ Birch, a tree; S. Betula alba, Linn.

_Douglas._

A. S. _birc_, Isl. _biorki_, Teut. _berck_, id.

_To_ BIRK, _v. n._ To give a tart answer, to converse in a sharp and cutting way; S.

A. S. _birc-an_, _beorc-an_, to bark, q. of a snarling humour.

Hence,

BIRKIE, _adj._ Tart, in speech, S.

BIRKY, _s._

1. A lively young fellow; a person of mettle; S.

_Poems Buchan Dial._

2. _Auld Birky_, ”In conversation, a.n.a.logous to _Old Boy_,” Gl. s.h.i.+rr.

_Ramsay._

Allied perhaps to Isl. _berk-ia_, jactare, to boast; or _biarg-a_, opitulari, q. one able to give a.s.sistance.

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 furnis.h.i.+ng drink for guests, or of parting it among them.

_Douglas._

2. To ply with drink.

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