Brown·ie / ˈbrounē/ • n. (pl. -ies) 1. a member of the junior branch of the Girl Scouts, for girls aged between about 6 and 8.2. (brownie) a small square of rich cake, typically chocolate cake with nuts.3. (brownie) a benevolent elf supposed to haunt houses and do housework secretly.PHRASES: brownie point inf., humorous an imaginary award given to someone who does good deeds or tries to please: his policy will win brownie points with voters.

brownie especially in Scottish folklore, a benevolent elf supposedly haunting houses and doing housework secretly. The name is a diminutive of brown; a ‘wee brown man’ often appears in Scottish ballads and fairy tales, and may be compared with the Old Norse svartálfar, the dark elves of the Edda.

Brownies (now Brownie Guides) are the junior wing of the Guides, wearing a brown uniform; the organization awards points and badges for proficiency in various activities.


brownie point an imaginary award given to someone who does good deeds or tries to please.

brownie benevolent sprite. XVI. f. BROWN + -ie -Y6.

brownie American cake made with chocolate. Unleavened; probably originated when a cook forgot to add baking powder; first published recipe appeared in 1897.