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A small European bird; the blue-throated warbler.

The fore part of the body, between the neck and the belly; the chest; as, the breast of a man or of a horse.

Deep as from the breast to the feet; as high as the breast. See him breast-deep in earth, and famish him. Shak.

High as the breast.

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.

The front transverse beam of a locomotive.

The bone of the breast; the sternum.

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.

A large rope to fasten the midship part of a ship to a wharf, or to another vessel.

The interior slope of a fortification, against which the garnison lean in firing.

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.

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.

A pin worn of the breast for a fastening, or for ornament; a brooch.

A pin worn on the breast for a fastening, or for ornament; a brooch.

A plate of metal covering the breast as defensive armor. Before his old rusty breastplate could be scoured, and his cracked headpiece mended. Swift.

A kind of plow, driven by the breast of the workman; -- used to cut or pare turf.

The upper rail of any parapet of ordinary height, as of a balcony; the railing of a quarter-deck, etc.

See Breastband.

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.]

t 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.