Breast

brest, n. the forepart of the human body between the neck and the belly: one of the two mammary glands in women, forming soft protuberances on the chest: the corresponding part of any animal: ( fig. ) conscience, disposition, affections.— v.t. to bear the breast against: to oppose manfully: to mount.— n. Breast′-bone , the bone running down the middle of the breast, to which the first seven ribs are attached.— adv. Breast′-deep , deep, as up to the breast.— adj. Breast′ed , having a breast.— adv. Breast′-high , high as the breast— ns. Breast′-knot , a knot of ribbons worn on the breast; Breast′pin , an ornamental pin for the breast; Breast′plate , a plate or piece of armour for the breast: ( B. ) an embroidered square of linen worn on the breast of the Jewish high-priest, bearing twelve precious stones, each inscribed with the name of one of the tribes of Israel; Breast′-plough , a kind of spade for cutting turf, with a cro -bar against which the breast is pre ed; Breast′rail , the upper rail of a breastwork; Breast′summer , Bres′summer , a summer or beam supporting the whole front of a building in the same way as a lintel supports the portion over an opening; Breast′-wall , a retaining wall; Breast′-wheel , a water-wheel which is turned by water delivered upon it at about half its height; Breast′work , a hastily constructed earthwork.— To make a clean breast of , to make a full confe ion. [A.S. bréost ; Ger. brust , Dut. borst .]