Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BREACH, n. [Fr. breche; D. breuk; Ger. bruch; Sw. bråck; Dan. bræk; Sp. and Port. brecha. See Break.]

1. The act of breaking, or state of being broken; a rupture; a break; a gap; the space between the several parts of a solid body parted by violence; as, a breach in a garment or in a wall.
2. The violation of a law; the violation or non-fulfillment of a contract; the non-performance of a moral duty; non-performance of duty being a breach of obligation, as well as a positive transgression or violation. Every breach of the public engagements is hurtful to public credit. – Hamilton.
3. An opening in a coast. [Not usual.] – Spenser.
4. Separation between friends by means of enmity; difference; quarrel. – Clarendon.
5. Infraction; injury; invasion; as, a breach upon kingly power. – Clarendon.
6. Bereavement; loss of friend and its consequent affliction.
7. A violation of the public peace, as by a riot, affray, or any tumult which is contrary to law, and destructive to the public tranquillity, is called a breach of the peace.