Brooch
/bruːtʃ/noun
A decorative pin or clasp worn to fasten clothing.
Did you know?Brooch comes through Old French from Latin roots tied to piercing or boring, which is why its word-history is all about something that goes through and holds fast.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bher-
“to carry, bear”
Latin
Latin
broccus
“projecting, pointed”
Old French
Old French
broche
“a pointed pin, spit, skewer”
Middle English
English
broche
“a pin or clasp for fastening clothing”
Modern English
English
brooch
“a decorative pin or clasp worn on clothing”