breach of the peace

Definitions

1. 1

   The legal offense of engaging in public behavior which is violent, rowdy, or disruptive.

   • [T]he sheriff turned his eyes again. . . . "What have we here?" he cried; "two men boxing! Has there been a breach of the peace?"
   • Short of high treason, the gravest form of breach of the peace known to British law is riot.
   • Four men and a woman were arrested and charged with breaches of the peace after a series of scuffles in which protesters and police received minor injuries.
2. 2

   Any public disturbance or disorderly behavior.

   • Polly's suspicions were louder, her temper became uncertain; once or twice she forgot herself and used language calculated to cause a breach of the peace.
   • Then, suddenly, the singing fell upon us and broke the silence into ruins. It was in the nature of a breach of the peace.
   • My rural ride continues, and on a gloriously balmy day in Worth Matravers the only obvious sign of a breach of the peace is a flock of geese lolloping out of the pond, on to the lane.

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