n. & v.
--n.
1. a either of two milk-secreting organs on the upper front of a woman's body. b the corresponding usu. rudimentary part of a man's body.
2 a the upper front part of a human body; the chest. b the corresponding part of an animal.
3 the part of a garment that covers the breast.
4 the breast as a source of nourishment or emotion.
--v.tr.
1. face, meet in full opposition (breast the wind).
2 contend with (breast it out against difficulties).
3 reach the top of (a hill).
Phrases and idioms:
breast-feed (past and past part. -fed) feed (a baby) from the breast. breast-high as high as the breast; submerged to the breast. breast-pin a brooch etc. worn on the breast. breast-stroke a stroke made while swimming on the breast by extending arms forward and sweeping them back in unison. breast the tape see TAPE. make a clean breast of confess fully.
Derivatives:
breasted adj. (also in comb.). breastless adj.
Etymology: OE breost f. Gmc