birse (bers)

[Sc., also birs, birsle (ber'sl), v. t.; pret. and pp. birsled, ppr. birsling. [Sc., also bri le, brusle = E. brustle, make a crackling noise: see brustle1.] 1. To scorch or toast, as before a fire: as, to birsle one's self or one's shanks before the fire.-2. To parch or broil: as, to birsle peas or potatoes. [Scotch.]