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

Weel, it's poetic justice for a birkie soldier, wha claims the airth and the fullness thereof, to have to tak' his orders from a sma' shopkeeper.

From Greyfriars Bobby by Atkinson, Eleanor Stackhouse

Look ye hear, my bit birkie," says Sandy, gien a gey wild-like wink wi' his richt e'e, "you speak when ye're spoken till!

From My Man Sandy by Salmond, J. B.

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

A lord, no doubt, may be a "birkie" and a "coof," but may not a ploughman be so too?

From Robert Burns by Shairp, John Campbell

"Wud ye?" said the Carnoustie birkie, jumpin' till his feet.

From My Man Sandy by Salmond, J. B.