brooch

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Eileen Opiolka
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brooch

Postby Eileen Opiolka » Wed May 14, 2014 5:48 pm

A brooch recently discovered in Scotland dates from the Iron Age. It set me wondering how old the strange-looking word "brooch" is.
Eileen Opiolka

Perry Lassiter
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Re: brooch

Postby Perry Lassiter » Thu May 15, 2014 4:09 pm

Glad you broached the subject:
brooch (n.)
early 13c., from Old French broche "long needle" (see broach (n.)). Specialized meaning led 14c. to distinct spelling.
From Online Etym Dict.
pl

Eileen Opiolka
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Re: brooch

Postby Eileen Opiolka » Thu May 15, 2014 4:37 pm

Many thanks. That was interesting.
Eileen

Philip Hudson
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Re: brooch

Postby Philip Hudson » Sat May 17, 2014 7:05 pm

May I broach the subject of brooch to comment that I never noticed it spelled brooch before. Apparently these are two accepted spelling variations. They both mean (Def.1) an ornament, usually worn by older ladies nowadays, that is pinned to the front of a dress or blouse. Earlier usage was more extensive and not gender specific. Except for her wedding ring, my mother eschewed all other jewelry except for broaches. She had an array of them. The other meaning (Def. 2) is what I am doing now, broaching or addressing a topic. Some would use brooch exclusively for Def.1 and broach for Def. 2.

The common origin of these two definitions is obvious. One is a pin for sticking an ornament on. The other is a pointed nose for sticking into other people’s business.

Eileen Opiolka, you have not posted much to Agora yet. Welcome and post often! I am noted for not making much sense with my posts, but I try.
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Dr. Goodword
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Re: brooch

Postby Dr. Goodword » Sun May 18, 2014 2:07 pm

No one mentioned this brooch .
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