broach
To broach is defined as to cautiously bring up a sensitive or controversial topic.
(verb)An example of broach is when you bring up a subject with your spouse that you have fought about many times before.
The definition of a broach is a large piece of women's jewelry.
(noun)An example of a broach is a 3" pin that you wear on your winter coat.
See broach in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun
- a sharp-pointed rod used to hold roasting meat; spit
- a tapered bit on a metal-cutting machine tool that is pulled or pushed through a hole to enlarge or shape the hole
- a device for tapping casks
- a hole made by a broach
- brooch
Origin: ME broche, a pin, peg, spit < OFr broche, broc < ML brocca, a spike, point < L broccus, with projecting teeth; of Celt orig.
transitive verb
- to make a hole in so as to let out liquid; tap (a cask)
- to enlarge or shape (a hole) with a broach
- to start a discussion of; bring up; introduce: to broach a subject
Related Forms:
- broacher noun
See broach in American Heritage Dictionary 4
transitive verb broached, broach·ing, broach·es
- a. To bring up (a subject) for discussion or debate.b. To announce: We broached our plans for the new year.
- To pierce in order to draw off liquid: broach a keg of beer.
- To draw off (a liquid) by piercing a hole in a cask or other container.
- To shape or enlarge (a hole) with a tapered, serrated tool.
- a. A tapered, serrated tool used to shape or enlarge a hole.b. The hole made by such a tool.
- A spit for roasting meat.
- A mason's narrow chisel.
- A gimlet for tapping or broaching casks.
- Variant of brooch.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English brochen, to pierce
Origin: , probably from broche, pointed weapon or implement
Origin: , from Old French
Origin: , from Vulgar Latin *brocca
Origin: , from Latin broccus, projecting
.Related Forms:
- broachˈer noun
intr. & tr.v. broached, broach·ing, broach·es
Nautical
Origin:
Origin: Probably from broach1
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