sb. [ME., a. ON. brestr burst, crack, want, loss, f. bresta = OE. berstan to BURST.]
1. Damage, injury, harm, wrong.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 17630. For wel suld all þe brest be bett. Ibid., 11230. Þe sun beme gais thoru þe glas and cums again wit-vten brest. Ibid., 4283 (Trin.). What is more herte brest Þen want of þing þat men loue best.
c. 1325. E. E. Allit. P., B. 229. Hit watz a brem brest & a byge wrache.
1564. Brief Exam., B iij. Without touche of brest sure and vnuiolable.
2. Failure, want.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 6308. O water had þai ful mikel brest.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 49. Brest, or wantynge, indigencia.
