Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(W.I./UK black) a male friend.

1970s		L. Kwesi Johnson ‘Yout Scene’ in Mi Revalueshanary Fren (2002) 3: Di bredrin dem stan-up / outside a Hip City.
1976		Mighty Diamonds ‘They Never Love Poor Marcus’ 🎵 One bredren sell him for rice and peas.
1983		V. Bloom ‘Show Dem’ in Touch Mi, Tell Mi 60: Dat noh mek noh sense mi bredren.
1997		C. Newland Scholar 33: ‘Ain’ you got nuttin’ t’say?’ ‘Not to you bredrin,’ Roger replied.
2006		Ace & Invisible 1Xtra 12 Apr. [BBC radio] Your bredrin be over at your house.
2006		W. Chen Chutney Power and Stories 17: ‘Take it easy, breds,’ Sookraj yelled.
2016		Guardian Guide 21 May 11/2: How is my bredren from the ends ever gonna buy a house?
2017		hubpages.com ‘Roadman Slang 4 Jun. 🌐 Brudda/bredrin - patois for ‘brother’, used between males.
2020		G. Krauze What They Was 22: Man [...] just jump in their bredrin’s whip .