breastwork

[ brest-wurk ]

/ ˈbrɛstˌwɜrk /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR breastwork ON THESAURUS.COM

noun Fortification.

a defensive work, usually breast high.

Nearby words

breastpin, breastplate, breastplow, breaststroke, breastsummer, breastwork, breath, breath analyzer, breath group, breath of fresh air, breath test

Origin of breastwork

First recorded in 1635–45; breast + work

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for breastwork

Those who were behind the breastwork knew that when Lancelot gave the word they were to fire in the direction of the sea.
Marjorie|Justin Huntly McCarthy
"Sorry I can't bury you old man," was Billy's parting comment, as he climbed over the breastwork and melted into the night.
The Mucker|Edgar Rice Burroughs
A breastwork from which to fight advancing fire, it ran away into the heart of a smoky forest.
Big Timber|Bertrand W. Sinclair
Fortunately, the ground was very stony, and every man instantly threw up a pile for a breastwork.
King Philip|John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot) Abbott

Mr. Pullman feels that he is behind a breastwork so strong that other defence is unnecessary.
The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 7 (of 12)|Robert G. Ingersoll

British Dictionary definitions for breastwork

breastwork

/ (ˈbrɛstˌwɜːk) /

noun

fortifications a temporary defensive work, usually breast-highAlso called: parapet

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012