Broil \Broil\, n. [F. brouiller to disorder, from LL. brogilus, broilus, brolium, thicket, wood, park; of uncertain origin; cf. W. brog a swelling out, OHG. pr[=o]il marsh, G. br["u]hl, MHG. brogen to rise. The meaning tumult, confusion, comes apparently from tangled undergrowth, thicket, and this possibly from the meaning to grow, rise, sprout.]

A tumult; a noisy quarrel; a disturbance; a brawl; contention; discord, either between individuals or in the state.

I will own that there is a haughtiness and fierceness in human nature which will which will cause innumerable broils, place men in what situation you please. --Burke.

Syn: Contention; fray; affray; tumult; altercation; dissension; discord; contest; conflict; brawl; uproar.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Broil \Broil\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Broiled; p. pr. & vb. n. Broiling.]

[OE. broilen, OF. bruillir, fr. bruir to broil, burn; of Ger. origin; cf. MHG. br["u]ejen, G. br["u]hen, to scald, akin to E. brood.]

1. To cook by direct exposure to heat over a fire, esp. upon a gridiron over coals.

2. To subject to great (commonly direct) heat.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Broil \Broil\, v. i. To be subjected to the action of heat, as meat over the fire; to be greatly heated, or to be made uncomfortable with heat.

The planets and comets had been broiling in the sun. --Cheyne.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)