breast wheel

noun

1. a waterwheel onto which the propelling water is fed at the height of a horizontal axle.

Word History and Origins

Origin of breast wheel¹

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

With greater variation of head-water level, a pitch-back or high breast wheel is better.

From Project Gutenberg

Quite as pictorial as a breast-wheel is a wind-mill, the older the better, thinks the artist as he views its weather-beaten frame.

From Project Gutenberg

If the breast wheel gave the same efficiency as the other, it would require a face about 2½ times as wide.

From Project Gutenberg