Broche

Broche is a term of French origin with several related meanings in different contexts. In jewelry and fashion, a broche is a decorative pin or clasp worn on clothing, often featuring a gemstone, enamel, or metalwork, and fastened by a pin or hinge mechanism. In English, the item is called a brooch, while in French the word itself can refer to both the decorative piece and its fastening.

In culinary usage, a broche refers to a skewer or spit used to grill or roast portions of meat, seafood, or vegetables. The technique or the tool is associated with cooking on a rotating spit, known in French as “à la broche.” The pieces skewered on sticks are commonly called “brochettes” when served as individual skewers.

Etymology and other uses: the word derives from Old French broche, meaning a spike or pin, which itself has roots related to the idea of a fastener or prong. Beyond fashion and cooking, broche appears in compound forms and as a surname or place name in Francophone regions. The term is found in several languages with related meanings, though exact usage can vary by locale.

Overall, broche illustrates how a single word connects jewelry, cooking, and fastening concepts through historical usage. Context typically clarifies whether the reference is to a decorative pin, a cooking skewer, or a fastening element.