Obs. Also 7 brann(e. [Prob. special use of BRAN1, suggested by the L. phrase ejusdem farinæ; influence from BRAND would seem probable, but that word does not appear to have had the required sense so early.] Sort, class, quality.
1610. Bp. Hall, Apol. Brownists, 59. Their Popes supremacy, infallibility … and a thousand other of this branne.
1647. Jer. Taylor, Dissuas. Popery, iii. (1686), 225. They add more particulars of the same Bran.
1672. Marvell, Reh. Transp., I. 237. A particular bran of persons who will … be accounted the Church of England. Ibid., II. 327. Magnifyed and esteemed … by those of your Bran and Leaven.
