He was the ringleader of all holiday sports, and midnight gambols; ready for all kinds of mischievous pranks, and harebrained adventures.
"Bracebridge Hall, or The Humorists"
Washington Irving
"Some harebrained, mad scheme, or it wouldn't be Gordon's.
"The Son of his Father"
Ridgwell Cullum
However, he had been scolded and was watched, as he said; and he was much ashamed of it, and very unhappy at being only able to give alms by stealth, much like some harebrained prodigal who blushes for his faults.
"Paris From the "Three Cities""
Emile Zola