brook

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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

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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

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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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