"marked with streaks, streaked with a dark color," 1670s, from Middle English brended (early 15c.), from bren "brown color" (13c.), noun made from past participle of brennen "burn" (see burn (v.)); the derived adjective perhaps means "marked as though by branding or burning." Form altered perhaps by influence of kindled.[brindled etymology, brindled origin, 英语词源]