ˈship-ˌbreaking, vbl. n.
[See breaking vbl. n. In sense 1 formed after shipbreche (cf. MLG., MDu. schipbrekinge).]
† 1. = shipbreche. Obs.
| 13.. [see ship-breching]. 1398 Trevisa Barth. De P.R. xiii. xxi. (Bodl. MS.), Ȝif schippes falleþ þerein in anye wise, he scapeþ not þe perille of schipbrekinge. c 1440 Promp. Parv. 446/2 Schyppbrekynge, naufragium. 1493 Festivall (W. de W. 1515) 9 b, Saynt poule sayth I haue been..thre tymes in shyppe brekynge. |
2. The breaking up of old ships; the occupation of a ship-breaker. Also attrib.
| 1897 Daily News 13 May 3/3 The Shipbreaking Company (Limited), of London, has recently purchased from the Admiralty the iron corvette Euryalus [etc.]. 1931 A. Huxley Let. 6 Aug. (1969) 351 There are bits of Toulon harbour—ship-building and ship-breaking yards..I have always longed to paint. 1976 S. Wales Echo 26 Nov. 38/8 The Welshman..has business interests which include farming..and ship-breaking. |
3. The crime of breaking into a ship for the purpose of committing a felony.
| 1901 Scotsman 7 Jan. 9/7 Shipbreaking at Aberdeen—..sent..to prison..for breaking into the steam line fishing boat. |