breastwork

[ brest-wurk ]

/ ˈbrɛstˌwɜrk /

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See synonyms for breastwork on Thesaurus.com

noun Fortification.

a defensive work, usually breast high.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of breastwork

First recorded in 1635–45; breast + work

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use breastwork in a sentence

The American soldiers were not allowed to return the fire, unless the Spaniards were evidently about to rush the breastworks.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
He waited until the guerrillas were within a few rods of the improvised breastworks, then ordered the men to fire.
The Courier of the Ozarks|Byron A. Dunn
The slaves were employed on a line of breastworks which there was no adequate force to hold.
Famous Adventures And Prison Escapes of the Civil War|Various
To guard against such a movement, Slocum was throwing up breastworks from the crest of the hill down to Rock Creek.
The Boys of '61|Charles Carleton Coffin.

Mounting the breastworks which had been thrown up at this spot, I could see the orchard where the Rebel riflemen were lying.
The Boys of '61|Charles Carleton Coffin.

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

breastwork

Origin of breastwork

Words related to breastwork

How to use breastwork in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for breastwork