n.
Pronunciation: ' br ē ch
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English breche, from Old English br ǣ c act of breaking; akin to Old English brecan to break
Date: before 12th century
1 : infraction or violation of a law, obligation, tie, or standard
2 a : a broken, ruptured, or torn condition or area b : a gap (as in a wall) made by battering
3 a : a break in accustomed friendly relations b : a temporary gap in continuity : HIATUS
4 : a leap especially of a whale out of water