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.
Breastplow
(Breast"plow`, Breast"plough`) n. A kind of plow, driven by the breast of the workman; —
used to cut or pare turf.
Breastrail
(Breast"rail`) n. The upper rail of any parapet of ordinary height, as of a balcony; the railing of
a quarter-deck, etc.
Breastrope
(Breast"rope`) n. See Breastband.
Breastsummer
(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.]
Breastwheel
(Breast"wheel`) 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.
Breastwork
(Breast"work`) 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.
Breath
(Breath) n. [OE. breth, breeth, AS. br&aemacrð odor, scent, breath; cf. OHG. bradam steam,
vapor, breath, G. brodem, and possibly E. Brawn, and Breed.]
1. 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.
Melted as breath into the wind.
Shak.
2. The act of breathing naturally or freely; the power or capacity to breathe freely; as, I am out of breath.
3. The power of respiration, and hence, life. Hood.
Thou takest away their breath, they die.
Ps. civ. 29.
4. Time to breathe; respite; pause.
Give me some breath, some little pause.
Shak.
5. A single respiration, or the time of making it; a single act; an instant.
He smiles and he frowns in a breath.
Dryden.
6. Fig.: That which gives or strengthens life.
The earthquake voice of victory,
To thee the breath of life.
Byron.
7. A single word; the slightest effort; a trifle.
A breath can make them, as a breath has made.
Goldsmith.
