brook

views updated Jun 08 2018

brook1 / broŏk/ • n. a small stream.DERIVATIVES: brook·let / -lit/ n.brook2 • v. [tr.] formal tolerate or allow (something, typically dissent or opposition): Jenny would brook no criticism of Matthew.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

brook

views updated Jun 27 2018

brook2 †enjoy. use OE.; (lit.) put up with, endure XVI. OE. brūcan str. vb. = OS. brūkan, OHG. brūhhan (G. brauchen use, want, need) (cf. Goth. brūkjan). f. Gmc. *brūk- make use of :- IE. *bhrug-, whence L. fruī enjoy (see FRUIT). Weak inflexions occur XIV.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

brook

views updated Jun 11 2018

brook1 small stream. OE. brōc, corr. to LG. and HG. words meaning ‘marsh, bog’, MLG. brōk. (M)Du. broek, OHG. bruoh (G. bruch); of unkn. orig.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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