The thin flat bone running down the front of the thorax, and articulated by cartilages with the ribs; the sternum.
a. 1000. Ags. Gloss., in Wr.-Wülcker, 158. Pectusculum, breostban.
c. 1380. Sir Ferumb., 1623. On was clouen in-to þe chynne; another to þe brust-bon.
a. 1400. Isumbras, 455. The beryns he hitt appone the hode, Thorowe the breste-bane it wode.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., 183. Inclining to the spine or brestbone.
1863. Kingsley, Water-bab., iv. 147. The leap-frogs you make out of a goose’s breastbone.
