I. ˈbrest noun
Etymology: Middle English brest, from Old English brēost; akin to Old High German brust breast, Old Irish brú belly, Russian bryukho
Date: before 12th century
1. : either of the pair of mammary glands extending from the front of the chest in pubescent and adult human females and some other mammals ; also : either of the analogous but rudimentary organs of the male chest especially when enlarged
2.
a. : the fore or ventral part of the body between the neck and the abdomen
b. : the part of an article of clothing covering the breast
3. : the seat of emotion and thought : bosom
4.
a. : something (as a front, swelling, or curving part) resembling a breast
b. : face 6
• breast·ed ˈbres-təd adjective
II. transitive verb
Date: 1599
1. : to contend with resolutely : confront
breast ing the waves
2. chiefly British : climb , ascend
3. : to thrust the chest against
the sprinter breast ed the tape