In the 2000s Briers was the curmudgeonly and extravagant father Hector MacDonald in the BBC television programme Monarch of the Glen (2000-05), appearing in series 1,2,3 & 7. He appeared in other programmes, see Later Career.
Word Origin and History for malleable Expand. adj. late 14c., capable of being shaped by hammering, from Middle French malleable and directly from Medieval Latin malleabilis, from malleare to beat with a hammer, from Latin malleus hammer (see mallet). Figurative sense, of persons, capable of being adapted first recorded 1610s.
ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease. ductile metals such as copper; malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape. the malleable properties of gold; adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses. computer hardware that is adaptable