brush

Where does the word "brush" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin bruscia, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Brush’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: bruscia meant “brushwood.” A Vulgar Latin word, possibly Germanic. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as broce. Bundles of twigs were used to sweep. It reached English by 1300s as brush. 'brush-off' dates from the 1900s. Today, brush means an implement with bristles.

1. Stage 1 · Vulgar Latin · ancient bruscia "brushwood", a Vulgar Latin word, possibly Germanic.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval broce "brushwood, twigs", bundles of twigs were used to sweep.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s brush "brushwood; broom", 'brush-off' dates from the 1900s.