[f. the verbal phrase break down (see BREAK v. 50).
In this and similar verbal formations, the stress seems primarily to be even (brea·k dow·n), or with stronger force on the adv. (brea:k dow·n); but in familiar and well-established expressions (as sense 2), there is a tendency to take the combination without analysis as a single word, and to say brea·kdow:n, or even brea·kdown: this is also regularly done in attributive use, as in ‘brea·kdown ga·ng’).]
1. The act of breaking and falling down; a ruinous downfall, a collapse. lit. and fig.
1832. Marryat, N. Forster, xxii. These unfortunate break downs.
1835. Browning, Paracelsus, III. 70. The break-down of my general aims.
1883. Chalmers, Local Govt., 152. Any break-down or hitch in the working of the sanitary laws.
b. esp. A fracture or dislocation of machinery resulting in a stoppage. Hence attrib., as in break-down gang, train.
1852. J. Ludlow, Master Engineers, &c. 105. Double pay for over-time caused by break-down or accident.
1863. Times, 6 April, 7/1. The ‘break-down gangs’ from Peterborough and Grantham, with their powerful machinery and appliances were soon engaged in clearing the main lines.
1866. Standard, 15 Sept., 4/5. A mine where there had been a breakdown.
c. Of the animal functions, or health.
1858. J. H. Bennet, Nutrition, iv. 91. A complete breakdown of the general health.
1875. M. Pattison, Casaubon, 465. Walter Scott had the first warning of his own breakdown in similar symptoms.
2. ‘A riotous dance, with which balls are often terminated in the country. A dance in the peculiar style of the negroes.’ Bartlett, Dict. Amer. (U.S.; but frequently humorously in Eng.)
a. 1864. New Eng. Tales (Bartlett). Don’t clear out when the quadrilles are over, for we are going to have a breakdown to wind up with.
1877. Burnand, ‘Ride to Khiva,’ 11. Clog-dancers, or nigger duettists, at a Music Hall with a breakdown.
1881. Gd. Words, XXII. 41/2. The men followed with a fiendish ‘breakdown.’
