brick3 (brik)

[The origin is uncertain. Usually referred to brick2, various stories being invented in explanation. According to one ac brick count, the expre ion arose in the English universities as a humorous translation of Aristotle's τετράγωνος ἀνήρ, a perfect (lit. 'square' or rectangular) man: see tetragon and square.] A good fellow, in an emphatic sense: a term of admiration bestowed on one who on occasion or habitually shows in a modest way great or unexpected courage, kindne , or thoughtfulne , or other admirable qualities. [Colloq.] "In brief I don't stick to declare Father Dick, So they called him for short, was a regular brick ; A metaphor taken, I have not the page aright, Out of an ethical work by the Stagyrite." Barham , In golds by Legends, Brothers of Birching ton. School-fellows of Heriot's Hospital, like bricks of boys, supplied him with food for six weeks. The Century , XXVII. 331. brick-ax (brik'aks), n. A two-edged ax used in shaping bricks. brick-barrow (brik'bar"ō), n. In brickmaking , a wheelbarrow used for carrying bricks, differing from the ordinary form in having the wheel in the middle, the bricks being piled upon slats running lengthwise at each side.