Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - breach

n. & v. --n. 1 (often foll. by of) the breaking of or failure to observe a law, contract, etc. 2 a a breaking of relations; an estrangement. b a quarrel. 3 a a broken state. b a gap, esp. one made by artillery in fortifications. --v.tr. 1 break through; make a gap in. 2 break (a law, contract, etc.). Phrases and idioms breach of the peace an infringement or violation of the public peace by any disturbance or riot etc. breach of promise the breaking of a promise, esp. a promise to marry. stand in the breach bear the brunt of an attack. step into the breach give help in a crisis, esp. by replacing someone who has dropped out. Etymology: ME f. OF breche, ult. f. Gmc