subs. phr. (colloquial).—Mental abstraction; musing; thoughtful absentmindedness; idle reverie: cf. BROWN-DEEP.

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  1559.  The Mariage of Witt and Wisdome.

        I must be firme to bring him out of his
  BROUNE STODIE, on this fashion;
I will turne my name from Idlenes
  To Honest Recreation.

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  [?].  Tales and Quicke Answers [NARES]. And in the mornynge when every man made hym redy to ryde, and some were on horsebacke setting forwarde, John Reynoldes founde his companion syttynge in a BROWNE STUDY at the inne gate.

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  1609.  JONSON, The Case is Altered, iv., 1.

        Why, how now, sister! in a motley muse?…
Faith, this BROWN STUDY suits not with your black,
Your habit and your thoughts are of two colours.

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  c. 1696.  B. E., A New Dictionary of the Canting Crew, s.v. BROWN-STUDY, a Deep Thought or Speculation.

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  1809.  MALKIN, Gil Blas [ROUTLEDGE], 61. My uncle was evidently in a BROWN STUDY.

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