- broach (n.)
- "pointed instrument," c.1300, from O.Fr. broche (12c.) "spit for roasting, awl, point end, top," from V.L. *brocca "pointed tool," originally fem. of L. adj. broccus "projecting, pointed" (used especially of teeth), perhaps of Gaulish origin (cf. Gaelic brog "awl").
- broach (v.)
- "begin to talk about," 1570s, from figurative use of the lit. meaning "to pierce" (early 14c.), with suggestions of "broaching" a cask or spurring into action (cf. O.Fr. brochier, 12c., "to spur," also "to penetrate sexually"); from the same source as broach (n.).