broached
Definition
- Adjective:
- Opened by making a hole or puncture: Specifically describes a cask, barrel, or similar container that has been tapped by piercing or boring a hole to access its contents (typically liquid).
- Ready for drawing from: Indicates that the container has been prepared so that its contents can be poured out or used.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The broached barrel of ale stood in the corner of the tavern. (The barrel that had been tapped was ready for serving.)
- Once the wine cask is broached, the contents should be consumed within a few days. (After the wine cask is opened by tapping, the wine inside will not keep indefinitely.)
Advanced Usage
- "to set abroach" (archaic): To tap or broach a cask; to begin drawing from a supply. This phrase is now rare.
- The innkeeper set the new cask abroach for the festival. (The innkeeper tapped the new cask to serve drinks for the festival.)
Variants and Related Words
- Broach (verb): The action from which the adjective is derived. It means to pierce (a cask) to draw liquid, or to raise (a subject) for discussion.
- He decided to broach the sensitive topic at the meeting. (He decided to raise the sensitive topic for discussion.)
- Broaching (noun/gerund): The act of making an opening in a cask.
Synonyms
- Tapped: Having had a hole made to draw out liquid.
- Punctured: Pierced with a hole.
- Opened: Made accessible (though less specific than "broached").
Antonyms
- Sealed: Closed securely.
- Intact: Unopened and undamaged.
- Unbroached: Not yet tapped or opened.
Notes on Usage
- The term "broached" is highly specific and is almost exclusively used in the context of barrels, casks, or kegs containing beverages like wine, beer, or cider. It is not commonly used for other types of containers like bottles or cans.
- In modern English, its use is somewhat formal or technical, often found in historical contexts, literature about brewing/distilling, or specialized descriptions.
Adjective
-
of a cask or barrel
-
the cask was set abroach
-
