BROACH, or Brooch, Brocha, from the French broche, denotes an awl or bodkin; also a large packing needle. A spit, in some parts of England, is called a broach; and from this word comes to pierce or broach a barrel. In Scotland, broach, broche, brooch, or brotche, is the name of an utensil which the Highlanders used, like the fibula of the Romans, to fasten their vest or plaid. It is usually made of silver, of a round figure, with a tongue crossing its diameter, to fasten the folds of the garment; sometimes with two tongues, one on each side of a cross bar in the middle. There are preserved in several families ancient brooches of very elegant workmanship, and richly ornamented. Some of these are inscribed with names, to which particular virtues used to be attributed; others are furnished with receptacles for relics supposed to preserve the wearer from harm; so that these brooches seem to have been worn not only for use, but as amulets. One or two of this sort are figured and described by Mr Pennant, Tour in Scotland, i. 90, iii. 14, 3d. edit.