[a. It. broccoli, pl. of broccolo cabbage-sprout or top, dim. of brocco shoot or stalk (see BROACH).]
One of the cultivated forms of the cabbage (Brassica oleracea botrytis asparagoides), the young inflorescence of which forms a close fleshy edible head: in its origin a more robust and hardy variety of the cauliflower. Broccoli is distinguished as green, purple, and white, the last hardly distinguishable from cauliflower, except in being in season in winter or early spring.
1699. Evelyn, Acetaria, 16. The Broccoli from Naples.
1730–6. Bailey, Brocoli, an Italian Plant of the Colly-Flower Kind.
1732. Pope, Hor. Sat., II. ii. 138. Content with little, I can piddle here On brocoli and mutton round the year.
1737. Miller, Gard. Dict., s.v. Brassica, There are several kinds, viz. the Roman, Neapolitan, and black Broccoli.
1881. Proc. Berw. Nat. Club, IX. iii. 568. Winter vegetables, such as Celery, Brussel Sprouts, Brocoli.
b. Comb., broccoli-like adj.
1873. Ferguson, in Land of Moab, 376. That sharp brocoli-like acanthus, which distinguishes the age of Justinian.
