bruin

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a conventional name for a bear used in tales following usage in the old epic `Reynard the Fox'
  2. noun large ferocious bear of Eurasia

Etymology

From Middle Dutch bruun (“brown”) via William Caxton's 1485 translation of a Dutch version of the legend of Reynard the Fox. Bruin is the bear, named for his brown color. Doublet of brown.

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