Attested since the 14th century (the derivative abrocamento since circa 1300). Ultimately from Latin broccus (“having protruding teeth”). Cognate with Portuguese broca, Spanish broca, Catalan broca, French broche. Doublet of broche, from French. Josep Coromines considered that the Spanish form, attested in Aragon since circa 1350, derived from Catalan (the inherited form would be *brueca) but this proposal is superfluous for Galician or Portuguese.