Archæol. Forms: 7 brogh, 7–9 brugh, 8–9 brough, burg(h, 9 broch. [n. e. Scottish, a. ON. borg (Da. borg) castle, stronghold (the ON. equivalent of OE. burh: see BOROUGH, BURGH). (Broch is the spelling adopted by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.)]
1. A structure of prehistoric times, examples of which are numerous in the Orkney and Shetland Isles, and adjacent mainland of Scotland, being a sort of round tower, having an outer and an inner wall of dry stone, the interstitial space containing little chambers for human habitation, while the open central area might be used for cattle.
1654. Blaeu’s Atlas, Map of Orkney & Shetl., The ancient Brugh of Mousa. The Brugh of Byrsa.
1693. J. Wallace, Description of Orkney, 26. The many Houses and villages in this Countey which are called by the name of Brogh.
1701. Brand, Descr. Orkney, 18 (Jam.). These houses are also called Burghs.
1806. Neill, Tour Orkney, 80 (Jam.). We viewed the Pechts Brough, or little circular fort.
1851. D. Wilson, Preh. Ann., II. III. iii. 101. A class of structures peculiar to Scotland, generally known as Brughs or Pictish towers.
1883. Margaret Stokes, in Academy, 6 Oct., 235/3. These Brochs … are towers that somewhat remind us of lighthouses.
