Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BROACH, Brutch, Bruch, Broche, Brotch, n.¹ [brotʃ, brʌtʃ, brɔtʃ]

1. (1) The spindle upon which newly-spun yarn is wound (Bch. 1936 (per Abd.⁹); Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 92, broach). Obs. in Eng.Abd. 1801 W. Beattie Fruits of Time Parings 38:
Auld Luckydaddy winds at brutches, And Granny tells them tales o' witches.Ayr. 1787 G. Campbell Poems on Several Occasions 123:
Nor drop the cards, nor quit the buzzing wheel Till night see num'rous brotches heap the creel.

‡(2) “Yarn wound on a spindle; a cop” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B. s.v. broach).

†(3) Fig. “A slender person” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).Rxb. 1806 J. Hogg Poems 77:
But Kate, the brotch, she was a thin ane, Sat still an' heard ilk ane's opinion.

2. (1) “A buckle” (Abd. 1790 A. Shirrefs Gl., broach, bruch); a clasp. Dim. broachie. Gen.Sc. The spelling brooch is now gen. in Eng. for this meaning.Sc. 1808 Jam.:
Large broches of silver, of a circular form, and often nicely embossed, are worn by the better sort of Highlanders, for fastening their plaids before.Abd. 1926 L. Coutts Lyrics, etc. 33:
A tarn shimmert like a broach Atween the paaps o' the hill.Edb. 1773 R. Fergusson Sc. Poems (1925) 16:
On Sabbath-days the barber spark, . . . Wi' siller broachie in his sark, Gangs trigly, faith!Rnf. 1807 R. Tannahill Poems and Songs 19:
Ye'll get a gouden ring an' siller brotch, An' now an' then we'll hurl in a coach.

†(2) “A narrow piece of wood or metal to support the stomacher” (Rxb. 1802 J. Sibbald Gl.).