- broker
- late 14c., from Anglo-Norm. brocour "small trader," from Anglo-Fr. abrokur "retailer of wine, tapster;" perhaps from Port. alborcar "barter," but more likely from O.Fr. brocheor, from brochier "to broach, tap, pierce (a keg)," from broche "pointed tool" (see broach (n.)), giving original sense of "wine dealer," hence "retailer, middleman, agent." In M.E., used contemptuously of peddlers and pimps. As a verb, implied by 1630s in brokering. Related: Brokered.