ETYM Old Eng. barein, Old Fren. brehaing, fem. brehaigne, baraigne, French bréhaigne; of uncertain origin; cf. Arm. brékhań, markhań, sterile; Late Lat. brana a sterile mare, principally in Aquitanian and Spanish documents; Bisc. barau, baru, fasting.
(Homonym: baron).
1. Incapable of sustaining life.
2. Not bearing offspring; SYN. sterile.
3. Not fertile or productive; SYN. infertile.

An uninhabited wilderness that is worthless for cultivation; SYN. waste, wasteland.