birken

[ bur-kuhn; Scots bir-kuhn ]

adjective

, Scot. and North England.

1. birchen; birch.

Word History and Origins

Origin of birken¹

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; birk, -en ²

Example Sentences

Those birken trees, how they perfume the summer air around us!

From Project Gutenberg

Fare thee well, my native cot, Bothy of the birken tree!

From Project Gutenberg

Oh, wad that my time were ower but,   Wi’ this wintry sleet and snaw, That I might see our house again   I’ the bonny birken shaw!—

From Project Gutenberg

Sweet, oh, sweet! with Mary o'er the wilds to stray, When Glensmole is dress'd in all the pride of May; And, when weary roving through the greenwood glade, Softly to recline beneath the birken shade.

From Project Gutenberg

The broom, the brier, the birken bush, Bloom bonny o'er thy flowery lea, And a' the sweets that ane can wish Frae Nature's hand, are strew'd on thee.

From Project Gutenberg