English · Phrasal verb Attested

breast up

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To cut the face of (a hedge) on one side so as to lay bare the principal upright stems of the plants.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

If the fence be old and ragged at the bottom, all the strong stems are sawn off near the roots; and when there are any young slender shoots, they are reserved for the purpose of plashing or laying, and are fastened down with short hook pegs, the cop having been previously "breasted up," as it is ter

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To sail two boats side by side so that neither is in front of the other.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To confront an obstacle directly, by pushing straight into it.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “breast up” mean?

To cut the face of (a hedge) on one side so as to lay bare the principal upright stems of the plants.

Is “breast up” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.