Broil

n. [O. Eng. broyle, browyl, to broil, broylerly, tumult, Fr. brouiller, to agitate, Pr. & Pg. brohlar, O. Sp. brollar, It. brogliare; broglio, noise, tumult, from O. Fr. broil, bruil, breuil, bruelle, Pr. bruelle, brueltha, Pg. brulha, It. bruolo, broglio, Ger. brül, brüel, breuel, bruwel, bruhel, brühl, thicket, brushwood, a marshy place overgrown with bushes, L. Lat. brogilus, bragilus, broilus, broilum, brolius, brolium. Capitulare de Villis, cap. 46: “Lucos nostros, quos vulgus brogilos vocat.” Of Celtic origin: W. brog, covering, growth, brake, wood, brog, a swelling out, Armor. brâg, brâk, brake, heath, heather. Cf. BRAKE.] A tumult; a noisy quarrel; contention; discord, either between individuals or in the state. I own that there is a haughtiness and fierceness in human nature which will cause innumerable broils, place men in what situation you please. Burke. Syn.—Feud; contention; fray; affray; tumult; alteration; dissension; discord.

v. t. [imp. & p. p. BROILED; p. pr. & vb. n. BROILING.] [See supra.] To dress or cook by direct exposure to heat over coals, but more generally upon a gridiron over coals.

Broil, v. i. To be subjected to the action of heat, like meat over the fire; to be greatly heated, or to sweat with heat.

Where have you been broiling? Shak.