Part 804

The court breasted the popular current by sustaining the demurrer. Wirt.

To breast up a hedge, to cut the face of it on one side so as to lay bare the principal upright stems of the plants.

Breast"band` (-bnd`), n. A band for the breast. Specifically: (Naut.) A band of canvas, or a rope, fastened at both ends to the rigging, to support the man who heaves the lead in sounding.

Breast"beam` (brst"bm`), n. (Mach.) The front transverse beam of a locomotive.

Breast"bone` (brst"bn`), n. The bone of the breast; the sternum.

Breast"-deep` (brst"dp`), a. Deep as from the breast to the feet; as high as the breast.

Set him breast-deep in earth, and famish him. Shak.

Breast"ed, a. Having a breast; -- used in composition with qualifying words, in either a literal or a metaphorical sense; as, a single-breasted coat.

The close minister is buttoned up, and the brave officer open-breasted, on these occasions. Spectator.

Breast"fast` (&?;), n. (Naut.) A large rope to fasten the midship part of a ship to a wharf, or to another vessel.

Breast"height` (&?;), n. The interior slope of a fortification, against which the garrison lean in firing.

Breast"-high` (&?;), a. High as the breast.

Breast"hook` (&?;), n. (Naut.) A thick piece of timber in the form of a knee, placed across the stem of a ship to strengthen the fore part and unite the bows on each side. Totten.

Breast"ing, n. (Mach.) The curved channel in which a breast wheel turns. It is closely adapted to the curve of the wheel through about a quarter of its circumference, and prevents the escape of the water until it has spent its force upon the wheel. See Breast wheel.

Breast"knot` (brst"nt), n. A knot of ribbons worn on the breast. Addison.

Breast"pin` (brst"pn`), n. A pin worn on the breast for a fastening, or for ornament; a brooch.

Breast"plate` (&?;), n. 1. A plate of metal covering the breast as defensive armor.

Before his old rusty breastplate could be scoured, and his cracked headpiece mended. Swift.

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

3. A strap that runs across a horse's breast. Ash.

4. (Jewish Antiq.) 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.

{ Breast"plow`, Breast"plough` } (&?;), n. A kind of plow, driven by the breast of the workman; -- used to cut or pare turf.

Breast"rail` (-rl`), n. The upper rail of any parapet of ordinary height, as of a balcony; the railing of a quarter-deck, etc.

Breast"rope` (brst"rp`), n. See Breastband.

Breast"sum`mer (&?;), n. (Arch.) 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. [Written also brestsummer and bressummer.]

Breast"wheel` (brst" hwl`), n. 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.

Breast"work` (brst"wûrk`), n. 1. (Fort.) A defensive work of moderate height, hastily thrown up, of earth or other material.

2. (Naut.) A railing on the quarter-deck and forecastle.