broach
UK[brəʊtʃ]US[broʊtʃ]
v
to begin talking about a sensitive or difficult subject.
v
to open a bottle or barrel by making a hole in it and starting the flow of liquid.
n
a decorative pin worn by women, especially in the past.
Etymology
the journey of "broach" begins with the latin adjective 'broccus', describing something that projects or is pointed. this evolved into vulgar latin 'brocca', a term for a pointed instrument, which was then adopted into old french as 'broche'. the core concept of a pointed tool for piercing gave rise to all modern english meanings. the noun sense for a decorative pin retains the original idea of a pointed fastener. the verb senses—to tap a cask or to introduce a topic—both metaphorically extend from the act of piercing something open to begin a process, whether it be the flow of wine or of conversation.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it entered english from old french 'broche', meaning a pointed tool or a spit for roasting. the old french term derived from vulgar latin 'brocca', a feminine form of latin 'broccus', meaning projecting or pointed.
Examples
she hesitated before deciding to broach the subject of money.
the sommelier used a special tool to broach the vintage port.
her grandmother's antique broach was set with pearls.