breast-beating

noun

breast-beat·​ing ˈbres(t)-ˌbē-tiŋ How to pronounce breast-beating (audio)
: noisy demonstrative protestation (as of grief, anger, or self-recrimination)

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breast-beating was in 1834

Dictionary Entries Near breast-beating

Cite this Entry

“Breast-beating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breast-beating. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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