Obs. Also imbroil(e. [f. EMBROIL v.2 Cf. Sp. embrollo, It. imbroglio: see IMBROGLIO.]
1. A state of entanglement or confusion; a disturbance, uproar.
1636. E. Dacres, trans. Machiavel’s Disc. Livy, II. 510. Before such imbroiles, few of the citizens of Venice could foresee the danger.
1700. Rycaut, Hist. Turks, III. 550. Impossible for any Embroils … for ever after to arise in the Lesser Asia.
a. 1734. North, Exam., I. ii. § 14 (1740), 37. Any Imbroil or Concussion of the Public.
1788. Antiquities, in Ann. Reg., 120. During these embroils, the god … stole off.
b. A quarrel.
1742. Walpole, Lett. H. Mann, I. xxxiii. (1833), 142. As to your embroil with Richcourt I condemn you excessively.
2. Mental disturbance, ‘worry.’
1799. in Nicolas, Disp. Nelson, IV. 107. Never let such a thought come into your head, which was never more wanted to be clear from embroils than at this moment.
