Breach of the peace

Breach of the peace
Peace Peace, n. [OE. pees, pais, OF. pais, paiz, pes, F. paix, L. pax, pacis, akin to pacere, paciscere, pacisci, to make an agreement, and prob. also pangere to fasten. Cf. {Appease}, {Fair}, a., {Fay}, v., {Fang}, {Pacify}, {Pact}, {Pay} to requite.] A state of quiet or tranquillity; freedom from disturbance or agitation; calm; repose; specifically: (a) Exemption from, or cessation of, war with public enemies. (b) Public quiet, order, and contentment in obedience to law. (c) Exemption from, or subjection of, agitating passions; tranquillity of mind or conscience. (d) Reconciliation; agreement after variance; harmony; concord. ``The eternal love and pees.'' --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

Note: Peace is sometimes used as an exclamation in commanding silence, quiet, or order. ``Peace! foolish woman.'' --Shak. [1913 Webster]

{At peace}, in a state of peace.

{Breach of the peace}. See under {Breach}.

{Justice of the peace}. See under {Justice}.

{Peace of God}. (Law) (a) A term used in wills, indictments, etc., as denoting a state of peace and good conduct. (b) (Theol.) The peace of heart which is the gift of God.

{Peace offering}. (a) (Jewish Antiq.) A voluntary offering to God in token of devout homage and of a sense of friendly communion with Him. (b) A gift or service offered as satisfaction to an offended person.

{Peace officer}, a civil officer whose duty it is to preserve the public peace, to prevent riots, etc., as a sheriff or constable.

{To hold one's peace}, to be silent; to refrain from speaking.

{To make one's peace with}, to reconcile one with, to plead one's cause with, or to become reconciled with, another. ``I will make your peace with him.'' --Shak. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • breach of the peace — Law. a violation of the public peace, as by a riot, disturbance, etc. [1665 75] * * * …   Universalium

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