Brichette

/brɪˈʃɛt/ noun

Definition

A small bundle or stick of compressed coal dust or charcoal used as fuel (variant spelling of briquette).

Etymology

French diminutive form from 'brique' (brick), adapted into English. Related to the modern 'briquette,' this spelling reflects older French borrowings in English.

Kelly Says

This is a fascinating dead-end in English spelling history—'brichette' competed with 'briquette' in the 1800s, but 'briquette' won out because it looked more French and sophisticated, showing how spelling reflects social status.

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