What is "abroach"

Abroach \A*broach"\, v. t. [OE. abrochen, OF. abrochier. See Broach.] To set abroach; to let out, as liquor; to broach; to tap. [Obs.]
--Chaucer.

Abroach \A*broach"\, adv. [Pref. a- + broach.]

1. Broached; in a condition for letting out or yielding liquor, as a cask which is tapped.

   Hogsheads of ale were set abroach.
   --Sir W. Scott.

2. Hence: In a state to be diffused or propagated; afoot; astir. ``Mischiefs that I set abroach.''
   --Shak.

1. 1 tapped; broached. (First attested from around (1350 to 1470).) 2 astir; moving about. (First attested in the early 16^th century.) adv. 1 broach; in a condition for letting out or yielding liquor, as a cask which is tapped. (First attested from around (1350 to 1470).)(R:SOED5: page=8) 2 In a state to be diffused or propagated; afoot; astir. (First attested in the early 16^th century.) v

2. (context transitive obsolete English) To set abroach; to let out, as liquor; to broach; to tap.

adj. of a cask or barrel; "the cask was set abroach" [syn: broached]