[bust] n [F buste, fr. It busto, fr. L bustum tomb] (1645) 1: a sculptured representation of the upper part of the human figure including the head and neck and usu. part of the shoulders and breast
2: the upper part of the human torso between neck and waist; esp: the breasts of a woman
[2]bust vb bust.ed also bust ; bust.ing [alter. of burst] vt (1806) 1 a: to break or smash esp. with force; also: to make inoperative "~ed my watch" b: to bring an end to: break up "helped ~ trusts --Newsweek"--often used with up "better not try to ~ up his happy marriage --Forbes" c: to ruin financially d: exhaust, wear out--used in phrases like bust one's butt to describe making a strenuous effort
2: tame "bronco ~ing"
3: demote
4. slang a: arrest "~ed for carrying guns --Saul Gottlieb" b: raid "~ed the apartment"
5: hit, slug ~ vi 1: to go broke
2. a: burst "laughing fit to ~" b: break down 3 a: to lose at cards by exceeding a limit (as the count of 21 in blackjack) b: to fail to complete a straight or flush in poker [3]bust n (1840) 1 a: spree b: a hearty drinking session "a beer ~"
2. a: a complete failure: flop b: a business depression
3: punch, sock
4. slang a: a police raid b: arrest
2. [4]bust or bust.ed adj (1837): bankrupt, broke "go ~"