braze
UK[breɪz]US[breɪz]
v
To join two pieces of metal together by melting a different metal into the joint.
v
To make something hard or bold like brass.
Etymology
The verb 'braze' entered English in the late 16th century from the Old French 'braser', meaning 'to burn'. This French term is believed to have Germanic roots, possibly connected to the Old High German 'brasa', meaning 'fire' or 'glowing coal'. The core semantic link is the application of intense heat. The specialized metalworking meaning developed from the general sense of burning or soldering with a hard, brass-like alloy, which also gave rise to the figurative sense of making something hard or bold, reminiscent of the qualities of brass metal.
Analysis
The word is a simplex form. It originates from the Old French 'braser', meaning 'to burn'. The ultimate origin is likely Germanic, related to the concept of burning or heating.
Examples
The plumber will braze the copper pipes to ensure a leak-proof seal.
The craftsman used a torch to braze the intricate silver filigree.
Years of hardship had brazed his character, making him resilient and unyielding.