Sun, 19 Apr 2026 21:24:55 EDT
Brooch, Broach, Breech, and Breach
- Brooch
- The noun brooch derives from the Old French broche, which meant a long needle. The modern brooch names a shield-style badge or decoration fixed to a garment with a pin.
- Broach
- The verb broach derives from the same source as brooch. The different spellings distinguish the noun from the verb. Both were formerly spelled broach. The modern verb broach means to bring up a subject in conversation. The modern sense derives from a nautical broach that means a change in a boat’s course caused by wind or waves or the act of effecting such a change. In the nautical sense, the boat behaves as a rudderless “needle.”
- Breech
- The nouns breech and breeches derive from the Anglo-Saxon brec, which meant breeches. Breeches are a garment for the lower body. Breech names the back end of a firearm or cannon.
- Breach
- Both the verb and noun breach derive from the Anglo-Saxon bryce, which means a break or the act of breaking. The meanings have not changed.
Why has the pronunciation of brooch not been affected by the Great Vowel Shift? Why don’t we say brewtch?