Brittle. In New England this word is used in speaking of wood or timber that is brittle. In New York it is often heard in the markets, applied to vegetables. Ex. "These radishes are brash," i. e. brittle. In many parts of England, twigs are called brash.
Although this word is not used in the same sense in England, it seems to be properly derived from the Dutch braash, brittle. Brashy, in the north of England, means, delicate in constitution.--Brockett's Glossary.