Brain

n. [A-S. bragen, brīgen, bregen, L. Ger. brägen, bregen, D. brein. Cf. Gr. βρέγμα, βρεχμός, the upper part of the head.]

1Sense 1. (Anat.) (a.) The whitish, soft mass which constitutes the anterior or cephalic extremity of the nervous system in man and other vertebrates, occupying the upper cavity of the skull, and considered to be the center of sensation and perception. (b.) The anterior or cephalic ganglion in insects and other invertebrates.

2Sense 2. The organ or seat of intellect; hence, the understanding. “My brain is too dull.” Scott.

☞ In this sense, often used in the plural.

3Sense 3. The affections; fancy; imagination. [Rare.] Shak. Sandys.

1Sense 1. To dash out the brains of; to kill by beating out the brains; hence, to destroy; to put an end to. “There thou mayst brain him.” Shak. It was the swift celerity of his death . . . That bruised my purpose. Shak. 2. To conceive; to understand. [Obs.] ’Tis still a dream, or else such stuff as madmen Tongue, and brain not. Shak.