barley-bree

[ bahr-lee-bree ]

noun

, Chiefly Scot.

1. liquor, malt liquor, or the like, especially whiskey.

Word History and Origins

Origin of barley-bree¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

He would sit quietly in the chimney-corner from morning till night, replenishing his interior with ample potions of the genuine barley-bree, and turning in his mind some philosophy peculiarly his own.

From Project Gutenberg

Oh, the worthy German dragoons! they were much more reasonable guests; they knew how to appreciate the good barley-bree!

From Project Gutenberg

What more poetical life can there be than that of the men with whom we are now quaffing the barley-bree?

From Project Gutenberg

By eight o'clock, however, he was merry with the barley-bree, and making a butt of himself to amuse the company.

From Project Gutenberg

"In a snug shelter maybe at our hostelrie below, with a mug of the right barley-bree buzzing at our elbow—oat-cake and cheese conformable thereto."

From Project Gutenberg