Bruin

/ˈbruːɪn/ noun

Definition

A bear, especially in folklore or literature; also used as a nickname or mascot.

Etymology

From Middle Dutch 'bruijn' or related Germanic words, made famous by the medieval Dutch poem 'Reynard the Fox' where Bruin is the bear character; entered English through that literary tradition.

Kelly Says

Bruin is the bear's 'real name' in medieval European animal stories—so when you call someone a bear, you're actually using the name of a specific literary character from 800 years ago.

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