noun
broil
A noisy quarrel or fight.
The argument developed into a noisy broil.
Etymology
This noun belongs with French brouiller, “to mix up” or “confuse.” Disorder and entanglement provide the connection to a tumultuous quarrel, a sense distinct from the cooking verb.
More examples
- A broil broke out near the tavern door.
- He tried to avoid the neighbors’ latest broil.
- The old account describes a street broil involving several men.
Forms
broil · broils