abroach
Adjective 1. Of a cask or barrel: tapped; having been pierced or opened to allow the contents to flow out. This term specifically describes a barrel that has had a hole made in it, typically to draw off a liquid like wine or beer.
The word "abroach" is a highly specialized and archaic adjective. It is almost exclusively used to describe a cask, keg, or barrel that has been broached (pierced or tapped). It is rarely encountered in modern English outside of historical, literary, or very specific technical contexts.
- The cask was set abroach for the celebration.
- Once the barrel is abroach, the ale must be consumed within a few days.
- (From reference): "the cask was set abroach."
- Figurative/Literary Use: In very rare and figurative literary contexts, it can describe something (like an issue or a source of information) that has been opened up or set flowing.
- The scandal was set abroach by a single leaked document.
- Broach (verb): The action from which "abroach" is derived. It means to pierce (a cask) to draw liquor, or to open and start using contents. More commonly today, it means to raise a subject for discussion.
- He broached a new barrel of cider.
- She broached the topic of a raise.
- Tapped
- Pierced
- Opened
- Unstopped
- Sealed
- Unbroached
- Intact
- Stopped
"Abroach" is considered an obsolete or historical term in contemporary English. The verb "broach" is the standard and active form used in modern language, even when referring to tapping a barrel. You will most likely encounter "abroach" in older texts or in deliberate use to create a historical or rustic atmosphere.
- of a cask or barrel
- the cask was set abroach