In Caxton brune, brunne, bruyn. [a. MDu. bruin (bruyn, bruun) BROWN, the name of the bear in Reynard the Fox.] An appellation applied, after the manner of a proper name, to the Common or Brown Bear. (It has advanced so far in the direction of a common noun as to be often written without capital B.)
1481. Caxton, Reynard, vii. (Arb.), 1. How bruyn the bere spedde wyth the foxe. Ibid., 11. The kynge … saide to brune the bere, syr brune, I wyl that ye doo this message.
1663. Butler, Hud., I. III. 131. Mean while th’ approach’d the place where Bruin Was now engag’d to mortal ruine.
1728. Pope, Dunc., I. 99. So watchful Bruin forms with plastic care Each growing lump, and brings it to a Bear.
1764. T. Brydges, Homer Travest., II. 89. No more each two-legg’d bruin swears.
1837. W. Irving, Capt. Bonneville, III. 137. Promising to entrap bruin.
1860. Mrs. Harvey, Cruise Claymore, 130. During the autumn Bruin [walnuts and grapes] may not unfrequently be seen near the vineyards.
