Word Definition

Broach

  1. To cause to begin or break out.
  2. To shape roughly, as a block of stone, by chiseling with a coarse tool.
  3. To tap; to pierce, as a cask, in order to draw the liquor. Hence: To let out; to shed, as blood.
  4. To open for the first time, as stores.
  5. A spitlike start, on the head of a young stag.
  6. A spit.
  7. 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.
  8. To spit; to pierce as with a spit.
  9. To enlarge or dress (a hole), by using a broach.
  10. To make public; to utter; to publish first; to put forth; to introduce as a topic of conversation.
  11. The pin in a lock which enters the barrel of the key.
  12. 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.
  13. An awl; a bodkin; also, a wooden rod or pin, sharpened at each end, used by thatchers.
  14. A clasp for fastening a garment. See Brooch.
  15. A broad chisel for stonecutting.
  16. The stick from which candle wicks are suspended for dipping.
  17. A spire rising from a tower.