4. (Jewish Antiq.) A part of the vestment of the high priest, worn upon the front of the ephod. It was a double piece of richly embroidered stuff, a span square, set with twelve precious stones, on which were engraved the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. See Ephod.
{ Breast"plow`, Breast"plough` } (&?;), n. A kind of plow, driven by the breast of the workman; -- used to cut or pare turf.
Breast"rail` (-rl`), n. The upper rail of any parapet of ordinary height, as of a balcony; the railing of a quarter-deck, etc.
Breast"rope` (brst"rp`), n. See Breastband.
Breast"sum`mer (&?;), n. (Arch.) 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.]
Breast"wheel` (brst" hwl`), n. A water wheel, on which the stream of water strikes neither so high as in the overshot wheel, nor so low as in the undershot, but 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.
Breast"work` (brst"wûrk`), n. 1. (Fort.) A defensive work of moderate height, hastily thrown up, of earth or other material.