ppl. a. Obs. [f. BROOD v. or sb. + -ED1.]
1. Incubated, hatched; also fig.
1674. N. Fairfax, Bulk & Selv., 125. Such … steams, as may be thought to have swarm’d from the brooding hen, and crowden into the brooded egge.
a. 1771. Gray, Triumphs of Owen. He nor heaps his brooded stores, Nor on all profusely pours.
2. Having a brood (chiefly in comb. as double-brooded).
1857. Stainton, Butterflies & Moths, I. 37. Vanessa—all the species are single-brooded, except Urticæ, of which there appears to be a succession of broods during the summer.
¶ In the following passage, some explain ‘Having a brood (to watch over)’; others, ‘brooding, or occupied with brooding.’ The very likely emendation of brood-eied = broad-eyed (see BROAD a. D2) has also been suggested.
1595. Shaks., John, III. iii. 52. Then, in despight of brooded watchfull day, I would into thy bosome poure my thoughts.
