breechloader (brechlo" der)

A firearm loaded at the breech. The term is generally confined to small arms, whether used in hunting or in war, large guns being usually referred to as breech - loading cannon. IMG:content-2498.png:[ocr errors][merged small][merged small] IMG:content-2499.png:[blocks in formation] Whom certain these rough shades did never breed. Milton , Comus, 1. 266. Why doth Africa breed so many venomous beasts, Ire Burton, Anat. of Mel., p. 293. land none? The barren soil does not breed fevers, crocodiles, tigers, or scorpions. Emerson, Compensation. 5. To bring up; nurse and foster; take care of during the period of growth: as, born and bred. Young Archas, A boy as sweet as young; my brother breeds him, My noble brother Brisky breeds him nobly. Fletcher, Loyal Subject, v. 7. Ah! wretched me! by fates averse decreed To bring thee forth with pain, with care to breed. Dryden. For when did friendship take A breed of barren metal of his friend? Shak ., M. of V., i. 3. 51. Breeding. That countrey is a very greate soyle of cattell, and ver ye fitt for breede. Spenser, State of Ireland. breed-batet (brēd'bāt), (brēd'bat), n. [