BROKER. The origin of the word is contended; some derive it from the French broier, "to grind;" others from brocarder, "to cavil, or triggle;" others deduce broker from a trader broken, and that from the Saxon broc "misfortune," which is often the true reason of a man's breaking. In which view, a broker is a broken trader by misfortune; and it is said none but such were formerly admitted to that employment.