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breastwork

[ brest-wurk ]

/ ˈbrɛstˌwɜrk /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR breastwork ON THESAURUS.COM

noun Fortification.

a defensive work, usually breast high.

Origin of breastwork

First recorded in 1635–45; breast + work

Words nearby breastwork

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

Example sentences 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-high Also called: parapet