broken field

¹

noun

1. open field.

broken-field

²

[ broh-kuhn-feeld ]

adjective

, Football.

1. performed, as by a ball-carrier, in a wide-open area covered by few defensive players, as opposed to the heavily trafficked area near the line of scrimmage.

Word History and Origins

Origin of broken field¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Origin of broken field²

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25

Example Sentences

The trees seemed of a strange shape, and strange were the stunted thorns dotted about the broken field in which he stood.

From Project Gutenberg

And on that side, that broken field, those long pieces of ice more or less joined at their edges?

From Project Gutenberg

Eventually we crossed this broken field, reaching the edge of the gravel slope, where we were very glad indeed to rest.

From Project Gutenberg

He had made a run of ninety yards through a broken field in the last minute of play.

From Project Gutenberg

The left half, Cox, was a broken-field runner of renown as well as Claflin's best goal-kicker.

From Project Gutenberg