braxy shell noun a large river mussel: They [the river mussel] can grow well over six inches long, two inches deep, and four inches wide. I've seen mussels bigger than my hand; we call the big shells, braxie shells. If I find a big braxie shell I just leave it, or throw it away. 20-. etymology: first element perhaps a development from Scots Gaelic breac ‘speckled’ or ‘smallpox + English shell; attested by ED in TN |