BROCHA (from the French broche, de-

notes 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, or broche, is the name of an utensil which the Highlanders use, like the fibula of the Romans, to fasten their vest. They are 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 broaches of very elegant workmanship, and richly ornamented. Some of them are inscribed with names, to which particular virtues used to be attributed; others are furnished with receptacles for relics, supposed to preserve from harm. So that these broaches seem to have been wore not only for use but as amulets. One or two of this sort are figured and described by Mr Pennant, Tour in Scotl. i. 92; iii. 14; edit. 3d.