{ Brest, Breast } (&?;), n. (Arch.) A torus. [Obs.]
Bres"te (&?;), v. t. & i. [imp. Brast; p. p. Brusten, Borsten, Bursten.] To burst. [Obs.] Chaucer.
Brest"sum`mer (&?;), n. See Breastsummer.
Bret (&?;), n. (Zoöl.) See Birt.
Bret"ful (&?;), a. [OE. also brerdful, fr. brerd top, brim, AS. brerd.] Brimful. [Obs.] Chaucer.
Breth"ren (&?;), n.; pl. of Brother.
This form of the plural is used, for the most part, in solemn address, and in speaking of religious sects or fraternities, or their members.
Bret"on (&?;), a. [F. breton.] Of or relating to Brittany, or Bretagne, in France. -- n. A native or inhabitant of Brittany, or Bretagne, in France; also, the ancient language of Brittany; Armorican.
Brett (&?;), n. Same as Britzska.
Bret"tice (&?;), n.; pl. Brettices (&?;). [OE. bretasce, bretage, parapet, OF. bretesche wooden tower, F. bretèche, LL. breteschia, bertresca, prob. fr. OHG. bret, G. brett board; akin to E. board. See Board, n., and cf. Bartizan.] The wooden boarding used in supporting the roofs and walls of coal mines. See Brattice.
Bret"wal*da (&?;), n. [AS. Bretwalda, br&?;ten walda, a powerful ruler.] (Eng. Hist.) The official title applied to that one of the Anglo-Saxon chieftains who was chosen by the other chiefs to lead them in their warfare against the British tribes. Brande & C.
Bret"zel (&?;), n. [G.] See Pretzel.
Breve (brv), n. [It. & (in sense 2) LL. breve, fr. L. brevis short. See Brief.] 1. (Mus.) A note or character of time, equivalent to two semibreves or four minims. When dotted, it is equal to three semibreves. It was formerly of a square figure (as thus: &?; ), but is now made oval, with a line perpendicular to the staff on each of its sides; -- formerly much used for choir service. Moore.