birkie

American  

[bur-kee, bir-kee] / ˈbɜr ki, ˈbɪr ki /

noun

Scot.

1. an aggressive, independent man.

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birkie British  

/ ˈbɪrkɪ /

noun

1. a spirited or lively person

2. a foolish posturer

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Etymology

Origin of birkie

First recorded in 1715–25; of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Even a gay young birkie like yoursel' should understand that, Mr. Johnson.

From Copper Streak Trail by Rhodes, Eugene Manlove

Ye’re the English gentleman birkie that cam’ to Kirkburn yestreen. 

From The Disentanglers by Lang, Andrew

But she's wasted on yon birkie ca'd a lord.'

From Mummery A Tale of Three Idealists by Cannan, Gilbert

The birkie doesna stand in need o' cash; for he gies saxpence to this ane, and a shillin to the tither ane, for gangin errans.

From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland Volume 10 by Various

I have a young birkie," said the Lord Keeper, willing to change the tone of the conversation, "of much the same turn.

From The Bride of Lammermoor by Scott, Walter, Sir