English English Dictionary

A pin worn on the breast for a fastening, or for ornament; a brooch.

A plate of metal covering the breast as defensive armor.

A piece against which the workman presses his breast in operating a breast drill, or other similar tool.

A strap that runs across a horse's breast.

A part of the vestment of the high priest, worn upon the front of the ephod. It was a double piece of richly embroidered stuff, a span square, set with twelve precious stones, on which were engraved the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. See Ephod.

A kind of plow, driven by the breast of the workman; -- used to cut or pare turf.

Alt. of Breastplough

The upper rail of any parapet of ordinary height, as of a balcony; the railing of a quarter-deck, etc.

See Breastband.

A summer or girder extending across a building flush with, and supporting, the upper part of a front or external wall; a long lintel; a girder; -- used principally above shop windows.

A water wheel, on which the stream of water strikes neither so high as in the overshot wheel, nor so low as in the undershot, but generally at about half the height of the wheel, being kept in contact with it by the breasting. The water acts on the float boards partly by impulse, partly by its weight.

A defensive work of moderate height, hastily thrown up, of earth or other material.

A railing on the quarter-deck and forecastle.

Fragrance; exhalation; odor; perfume.

The air inhaled and exhaled in respiration; air which, in the process of respiration, has parted with oxygen and has received carbonic acid, aqueous vapor, warmth, etc.

The act of breathing naturally or freely; the power or capacity to breathe freely; as, I am out of breath.

The power of respiration, and hence, life.

Time to breathe; respite; pause.

A single respiration, or the time of making it; a single act; an instant.

A single word; the slightest effort; a trifle.