| broil | A tumult; a noisy quarrel; a disturbance; a brawl; contention; discord, either between individuals or in the state. "I will own that there is a haughtiness and fierceness in human nature which will which will cause innumerable broils, place men in what situation you please." (Burke) Synonym: Contention, fray, affray, tumult, altercation, dissension, discord, contest, conflict, brawl, uproar. Origin: F. Brouiller to disorder, from LL. Brogilus, broilus, brolium, thicket, wood, park; of uncertain origin; cf. W. Brog a swelling out, OHG. Proil marsh, G. Bruhl, MHG. Brogen to rise. The meaning tumult, confusion, comes apparently from tangled undergrowth, thicket, and this possibly from the meaning to grow, rise, sprout. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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