Dictionary

A series of chisel points mounted on one piece of steel. For example, the toothed stone chisel shown here.

A broad chisel for stone-cutting.

A spit for cooking food.

An awl; a bodkin; also, a wooden rod or pin, sharpened at each end, used by thatchers.

To make a hole in, especially a cask of liquor, and put in a tap in order to draw the liquid.

To open, to make an opening into; to pierce.

Example: French knights at Agincourt were unable to broach the English line.

To begin discussion about (something).

Example: I broached the subject of contraceptives carefully when the teenager mentioned his promiscuity.

A piece of women’s ornamental jewellery having a pin allowing it to be fixed to garments worn on the upper body.

A painting all of one colour, such as a sepia painting.

To be turned sideways to oncoming waves, especially large or breaking waves.

Example: The small boat broached and nearly sank, because of the large waves.

To cause to turn sideways to oncoming waves, especially large or breaking waves (usually followed by to; also figurative).

Example: Each time we came around into the wind, the sea broached our bow.