sb.
1. The action of breaking-off: see BREAK v. 53, esp. discontinuance, severing of relations.
1860. Forster, Gr. Remonstr., 169. The sudden and impetuous break-off from the party with whom he had acted so zealously.
2. In a musket or rifle: The metal work of the stock of a gun into which the breech of the barrel fits.
1804. Hull Adv., 21 Jan., 4/1. The left hand then seizes the shaft of the stock and the right hand dislodges the barrel from the ‘Break-off.’
1844. Regul. & Ord. Army, 106. For a new break off filed up, fitted, and hardened.
1858. Greener, Gunnery, 250. With the breeches in the percussioned state, break-offs fitted and locks jointed.
