[In form the base of broker, brokage, broking. An AFr. vb. abroker occurs in Liber Albus (a 1419) 288.]
† 1. intr. To bargain; to negotiate; to traffic.
1496. Dives & Paup. (W. de W.), VII. xxi. 308. [They] thus bargeyne & broke about the syngynge of the masse, that may not be solde ne bought, as men do in byenge & sellynge of an horse.
1601. Shaks., All’s Well, III. v. 74. He … brokes with all that can in such a suite Corrupt the tender honour of a Maide.
1611. Cotgr., Brouillon, one that broakes in euery thing, whereby he may get but a pennie.
1625. Bacon, Riches, Ess. (Arb.), 237. The gaines of Bargaines, are of a more doubtfull Nature; When Men shall … broake by Seruants and Instruments to draw them on.
† 2. trans. To retail, traffic in. Obs.
1599. Marston, Sco. Villanie, III. xi. 227. But to retaile and broke anothers wit.
3. intr. To act as broker, agent or go-between.
a. 1652. Brome, City Wit, II. ii. Wks. 1873, I. 303. Prithee what art thou? or whom dost thou serve, or broke for?
1655. R. Fanshawe, trans. Camoens’ Lusiad, IX. 44. 182 (Webster).
| But we do want a certain necessary | |
| Woman, to broke between them Cupid said. |
