- Broach
- Broach 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.]
[1913 Webster]
He turned a broach that had worn a crown. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
2. An awl; a bodkin; also, a wooden rod or pin, sharpened at each end, used by thatchers. [Prov. Eng.] --Forby. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
4. (Masonry) A broad chisel for stonecutting. [1913 Webster]
5. (Arch.) A spire rising from a tower. [Local, Eng.] [1913 Webster]
6. A clasp for fastening a garment. See {Brooch}. [1913 Webster]
7. A spitlike start, on the head of a young stag. [1913 Webster]
8. The stick from which candle wicks are suspended for dipping. --Knight. [1913 Webster]
9. The pin in a lock which enters the barrel of the key. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.