Origin unknown. Possibly from Slavicbroštĭ, reconstructed from the plural brusturi, compare ciucure, fagure. Another theory is a derivation of Latin ustulāre (cf. ustura). It has been attempted to link it to a Gepid word *brustilô ("silk"), but this is unlikely. Finally, it may be linked to a word bruskandol ("hop plant") found in the local speech of Comelico in northeastern Italy, in this case perhaps being an Alpine word. [1]. Compare Aromanian brushturã, brushtir.