Bravo. In Italy one who is always boasting of his courage and prowess; generally a hired assassin[assassin].
Brazil. From braza, the name given by the Portuguese to the red dye-wood of the country.
Bread Street. Where the bakers had their stalls in connection with the Old Chepe, or market.
Break Bread. To accept hospitality. In the East bread is baked in the form of large cakes, which are broken, never cut with a knife. To break bread with a stranger ensures the latter personal protection as long as he remains under the roof of his host.
Breakfast. The morning meal, when the fast since the previous night’s supper is broken.
Break the Bank. Specifically at the gaming-tables of Monte Carlo. With extraordinary luck this may be done on occasion; but the winner’s triumph is short-lived since, the capital of the bank being unlimited, if he continues to play after fresh stores of gold have been produced, he must lose in the end.
Brecon. See “[Brecknock].”
Brecknock. The capital (also called Brecon) of one of the shires of Wales, originally Breckineauc, after Brychan, a famous Welsh prince. Brecknock Road takes its name from Lord Camden, Earl of Brecknock, the ground landlord.
Breeches Bible. From the word “breeches” for “aprons” (Genesis iii. 7).
Brentford. The ford over the Brent.