▪ I.brist ME. variant of brest, ‘defect, want’. a1300Cursor M. 6344 Wit-vten ani brek or brist.1340Hampole Pr.Consc. 6205 Loverd when saw we þe haf hunger or thirst Or of any herber haf grete brist.c1450Erle of Tolous 833 Hys wyfe had seche a bryste. ▪ II.brist obs.f. breast n., burst.