Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun The part of the action of a breech-loading firearm immediately behind the breech.
- noun The act of breaking off, separating, or severing connection, company, or relations.
Etymologies
Sorry, no etymologies found.
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Examples
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Using definitions by sociologists of religion, the group wound more likely be termed a 'sect with cult-like tendencies,' that is, a break-off group from Christianity which asserts that they are more authentic to the original teachings of the host religion, more purged of cultural accretions, and use a high degree of tension with the 'established' manifestations of the religion and with the surrounding society in order to create their own organizational identity.
The Washington Post: National, World & D.C. Area News and Headlines - washingtonpost.com 2011
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If i get a birds-nest or break-off, i switch to the spare with no delay.
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But in a religion where everyone from the president to the lowly devout woman has the ability to talk with god and receive his instruction; splitting, and the formation of break-off sects and groups is as inevitable as night coming after sunset.
“Under the Banner of Heaven” by Jon Krakauer (Doubleday, 2003) « The BookBanter Blog 2010
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But in a religion where everyone from the president to the lowly devout woman has the ability to talk with god and receive his instruction; splitting, and the formation of break-off sects and groups is as inevitable as night coming after sunset.
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If i get a birds-nest or break-off, i switch to the spare with no delay.
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This was especially true at the $10 mark, said Mr. Grenne, who called it the "break-off" point (aka maximum price) for most buyers.
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It was bright, crisp, lively as a fresh as any wine I've consumed in Venice and priced at the Prosecco break-off point of $10.
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The break-off of ministerial and provincial-level contacts follows a weekend of small anti-Japanese protests in Chinaand has pushed already tense relations to a new low.
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If Jane was the one to break-off the engagement (perhaps upset that Joe wouldn't dutifully give up his Monday Night Football in favor of Dancing with the Stars?), or if they mutually decide to separate (the Bears-Packers rivalry just runs too deep), he would be in luck: The law says she must return the ring.
Steve Lake: When the Vows Break: Legal Realities of The Bachelorette Steve Lake 2010
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If Jane was the one to break-off the engagement (perhaps upset that Joe wouldn't dutifully give up his Monday Night Football in favor of Dancing with the Stars?), or if they mutually decide to separate (the Bears-Packers rivalry just runs too deep), he would be in luck: The law says she must return the ring.
Steve Lake: When the Vows Break: Legal Realities of The Bachelorette 2010
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