The side of a ship; also means a fierce verbal attack or criticism, or historically, a simultaneous volley of cannonballs fired from one side of a warship.
From 'broad' and 'side,' originally referring to the wide side of a ship as opposed to the narrow bow and stern. Naval warfare made it famous when all cannons on one side fired at once, and the term evolved metaphorically to mean any sudden overwhelming attack.
Sailing ships would maneuver to fire a 'broadside' at enemy ships—imagine all your cannons blasting at once!—and the sheer power of it became so legendary that we still use 'broadside' when someone attacks us with harsh criticism!
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