Breast"plate` (?), n.
1.
A plate of metal covering the breast as defensive armor.
Before his old rusty breastplate could be scoured, and his cracked headpiece mended.
Swift.
2.
A piece against which the workman presses his breast in operating a breast drill, or other similar tool.
3.
A strap that runs across a horse's breast.
Ash.
4. Jewish Antiq.
A part of the vestment of the high priest, worn upon the front of the ephod. It was a double piece of richly embroidered stuff, a span square, set with twelve precious stones, on which were engraved the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. See Ephod.
© Webster 1913.