BROACH

Broach

Broaching most typically happens when a boat is on a broad reach with spinnaker set and there is an overpowering weather helm. This may be due to excessive heeling, swell that causes the rudder to be partially lifted out of the water, or because the stem digs into a wave causing a strong lateral force. The boat will come quickly across the wind with too much sail set. It can also happen on a close reach where it is typically precipitated by sudden waves. With an inattentive helmsman it can be a consequence of gybing, which can be a dangerous manoeuvre even when performed under controlled circumstances. When it happens unexpectedly and the helm isn't corrected, the heading of the ...

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broach

Noun

  1. A series of chisel points mounted on one piece of steel.
  2. A broad chisel for stone-cutting.
  3. A spit for cooking food.
  4. An awl; a bodkin; also, a wooden rod or pin, sharpened at each end, used by thatchers.
  5. A spire rising from a tower.
  6. A spit-like start on the head of a young stag.
  7. The stick from which candle wicks are suspended for dipping.
  8. The pin in a lock which enters the barrel of the key.

Verb

  1. To make a hole in, especially a cask of liquor, and put in a tap in order to draw the liquid.
  2. To open, to make an opening into; to pierce.
    French knights at Agincourt were unable to broach the English line.
  3. To begin discussion about (something).
    I broached the subject of contraceptives carefully when the teenager mentioned his promiscuity.

Verb (etymology 2)

  1. To be turned sideways to oncoming waves, especially large or breaking waves.
    The small boat broached and nearly sank, because of the large waves.
  2. To cause to turn sideways to oncoming waves, especially large or breaking waves.
  3. To be overcome or submerged by a wave or surge of water.
    Each time we came around into the wind, the sea broached our bow.


The above text is a snippet from Wiktionary: broach
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

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