Breasting

( Mach.) The act of cutting or trimming the sides of a hedge. (Mech.) The curved channel or mill-course in which the breast-wheel turns. It forms about a quarter of a circle, and is carefully adapted to the wheel, to prevent waste of water. Breast'-knees, n . pl . ( Ship - building .) Knees placed in the fore part of a ve el, acro the stem, to unite the bows on each side. Breast-knot, ( brest'not,) n. A knot of ribbons worn on the breast; a favor.