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Brood

1. The young birds hatched at one time; a hatch; as, a brood of chicken. As a hen doth gather her brood under her wings. (Luke xiii. 34) A hen followed by a brood of ducks. (Spectator)

2. The young from the same dam, whether produced at the same time or not; young children of the same mother, especially if nearly of the same age; offspring; progeny; as, a woman with a brood of children. The lion roars and gluts his tawny brood. (Wordsworth)

3. That which is bred or produced; breed; species. Flocks of the airy brood, (Cranes, geese or long-necked swans). (Chapman)

4. (Science: chemical) heavy waste in tin and copper ores. To sit on brood, to ponder.

Origin: oe. Brod, as. Brod; akin to D. Broed, OHG. Bruot, g. Brut, and also to g. Bruhe broth, MHG. Brueje, and perh. To E. Brawn, breath. Cf. Breed.