breach v also brach, braych [phonetics unavailable]. OED ~ v 3 'of whales' (1843-). Of cod, caplin, etc, to ruffle or break the surface of the water; of seals, to jump up in the water.
   1842 JUKES i, 231 The sea was pretty still, and the fish were 'breaching,' as it is termed. For several miles around us the calm sea was alive with fish. They were sporting on the surface of the water. 1924 ENGLAND 241 In a bay of water, near at hand, a few dogs and bitches were 'braychin',' but nobody now gave them any heed. They were blowing bubbles, tossing their tails, playing with no heed whatever of the ship. 1925 Dial Notes v, 326 Brach [i.e. brch]—break [the surface]. P 118-67 Look! They're breaching [said of the action of a school of fish, esp caplin, when they break the surface of the water]. 1979 NEMEC 237 Two generations ago ... cod 'breached' in the Bight [at St Shotts] and literally filled it.

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