And when they are at it-whether turning the handle of a winnowing machine in a barn, cutting a hedge, spreading manure, or digging-it must be said that they do not put the energy into it of which their brawny arms are capable.
"Hodge and His Masters"
Richard Jefferies
Don't run away with the idea that I've been turned by a miracle into a brawny hero.
"The Rough Road"
William John Locke
And did it ever occur to her, as the horses were changed in the little post-towns, that it was in honour of Holy Week that the savage-looking bearded men, the big, brawny, madonna-like women had got on their best clothes?
"The Countess of Albany"
Violet Paget (AKA Vernon Lee)