His locked, lettered, braw brass collar, Shewed him the gentleman and scholar.
Meaning of the quote
The quote explains that the man's fancy, engraved brass collar showed that he was an educated, well-mannered person. The collar was a sign that he was a scholar, or someone who had studied and learned a lot. The poet is using the collar to describe the man's character and social status.

About Robert Burns
Robert Burns was a renowned Scottish poet and lyricist who is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland. He is best known for his works in the Scots language, as well as his political and social commentary. Burns’ poetry and songs have had a lasting impact on Scottish literature and culture, with many of his compositions, such as “Auld Lang Syne” and “Scots Wha Hae,” becoming iconic and enduring classics.
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More quotes from Robert Burns
Critics! Those cut-throat bandits in the paths of fame.
Scottish poet and lyricist (1759-1796)
Opera is where a guy gets stabbed in the back, and instead of dying, he sings.
Scottish poet and lyricist (1759-1796)
The snowdrop and primrose our woodlands adorn, and violets bathe in the wet o’ the morn.
Scottish poet and lyricist (1759-1796)
The wide world is all before us – but a world without a friend.
Scottish poet and lyricist (1759-1796)
And there begins a lang digression about the lords o’ the creation.
Scottish poet and lyricist (1759-1796)
Suspense is worse than disappointment.
Scottish poet and lyricist (1759-1796)
Firmness in enduring and exertion is a character I always wish to possess. I have always despised the whining yelp of complaint and cowardly resolve.
Scottish poet and lyricist (1759-1796)
Suspicion is a heavy armor and with its weight it impedes more than it protects.
Scottish poet and lyricist (1759-1796)
Man’s inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn!
Scottish poet and lyricist (1759-1796)
His locked, lettered, braw brass collar, Shewed him the gentleman and scholar.
Scottish poet and lyricist (1759-1796)
I pick my favourite quotations and store them in my mind as ready armour, offensive or defensive, amid the struggle of this turbulent existence.
Scottish poet and lyricist (1759-1796)
Dare to be honest and fear no labor.
Scottish poet and lyricist (1759-1796)
Affliction’s sons are brothers in distress; A brother to relieve, how exquisite the bliss!
Scottish poet and lyricist (1759-1796)
There is no such uncertainty as a sure thing.
Scottish poet and lyricist (1759-1796)
Let them cant about decorum, Who have characters to lose!
Scottish poet and lyricist (1759-1796)