Definitions for: Broach


[n] a decorative pin worn by women
[v] bring up a topic for discussion



Webster (1913) Definition: Broach, n. [OE. broche, F. broche, fr. LL. brocca;
prob. of Celtic origin; cf. W. proc thrust, stab, Gael. brog
awl. Cf. Brooch.]
1. A spit. [Obs.]

He turned a broach that had worn a crown. --Bacon.

2. An awl; a bodkin; also, a wooden rod or pin, sharpened at
each end, used by thatchers. [Prov. Eng.] --Forby.

3. (Mech.)
(a) A tool of steel, generally tapering, and of a
polygonal form, with from four to eight cutting edges,
for smoothing or enlarging holes in metal; sometimes
made smooth or without edges, as for burnishing pivot
holes in watches; a reamer. The broach for gun barrels
is commonly square and without taper.
(b) A straight tool with file teeth, made of steel, to be
pressed through irregular holes in metal that cannot
be dressed by revolving tools; a drift.

4. (Masonry) A broad chisel for stonecutting.

5. (Arch.) A spire rising from a tower. [Local, Eng.]

6. A clasp for fastening a garment. See Brooch.

7. A spitlike start, on the head of a young stag.

8. The stick from which candle wicks are suspended for
dipping. --Knight.

9. The pin in a lock which enters the barrel of the key.


Broach, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Broached; p. pr. & vb. n.
Broaching.] [F. brocher, fr. broche. See Broach, n.]
1. To spit; to pierce as with a spit.

I'll broach the tadpole on my rapier's point.
--Shak.

2. To tap; to pierce, as a cask, in order to draw the liquor.
Hence: To let out; to shed, as blood.

Whereat with blade, with bloody blameful blade, He
bravely broached his boiling bloody breast. --Shak.

3. To open for the first time, as stores.

You shall want neither weapons, victuals, nor aid; I
will open the old armories, I will broach my store,
and will bring forth my stores. --Knolles.

4. To make public; to utter; to publish first; to put forth;
to introduce as a topic of conversation.

Those very opinions themselves had broached.
--Swift.

5. To cause to begin or break out. [Obs.] --Shak.

6. (Masonry) To shape roughly, as a block of stone, by
chiseling with a coarse tool. [Scot. & North of Eng.]

7. To enlarge or dress (a hole), by using a broach.

To broach to (Naut.), to incline suddenly to windward, so
as to lay the sails aback, and expose the vessel to the
danger of oversetting.

Synonyms: breastpin, brooch, initiate

See Also: address, cover, deal, discuss, handle, pin, plow, sunburst, talk over, treat

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