bawn

American  

[bawn] / bɔn /

noun

Newfoundland.

1. a rocky stretch of foreshore on which caught fish are laid out to dry.

2. a patch of grassland or meadow near a dwelling.

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Etymology

Origin of bawn

First recorded in 1530–40; Hiberno-English, from Irish bábhún (earlier spelling badhbhdhún, badhún ) “enclosure,” perhaps equivalent to ba, plural of bó “cow” + dún “fort”; cow ¹, town

Example Sentences

I don't suppose you was bawn wid a veil on yo' face lak I was, 'ca'se I can see dem ghosties as plain as dey was here raght now.

From Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves: Volume I, Alabama Narratives by United States. Work Projects Administration

Twine the mazes thro’ and thro’ Over beach and margent pale; Not a bawn appears in view, Not a sail!

From The Mountainy Singer by MacCathmhaoil, Seosamh

Nebber struck nuffin’ lek dis in all mah bawn days—no, sar!”

From Frank Merriwell's Alarm Doing His Best by Standish, Burt L.

Massa Joel musta been bawn on a sunshiny day 'cause he sho' was bright an' good natured.

From Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves: Volume I, Alabama Narratives by United States. Work Projects Administration

I was bawn a slave, but I ain't neber been one.

From Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves: Volume I, Alabama Narratives by United States. Work Projects Administration