Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

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.

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 : WordNet®

broil
     n : cooking by direct exposure to radiant heat (as over a fire
         or under a grill) [syn: {broiling}, {grilling}]
     v 1: cook under a broiler; "broil fish" [syn: {oven broil}]
     2: heat by a natural force; "The sun broils the valley in the
        summer" [syn: {bake}]