DCHP-3

breaker

DCHP-2 (May 2010)
1n. — Newfoundland

a submerged or partially submerged rock over which waves break.

Type: 3. Semantic Change — In Newfoundland, breaker can refer to a rock over which waves break, rather than to the waves themselves, as the OED-3 definition of breaker: 'a heavy ocean-wave which breaks violently into foam against a rocky coast or in passing over reefs or shallows'. Clarke (2010b: 110) notes that because outport communities in Newfoundland had experienced little change from their beginnings in the 18th century up until the mid-20th century, a significant number of fishery-related lexical items has been preserved in the present-day English of the province, including breaker.
See also COD-2, s.v. "breaker" (3), which is marked "Cdn (Nfld)", DNE, s.v. "breaker".
See: sunker

Quotations

1778
DE CASSINI 129 We suddenly perceived, at a small distance before us, the dashing of the waters, which could only be occasioned by the coast, or by rocks or breakers, which the fog concealed from our sight.
1799-1890
We were utterly unacquainted with the coast, which presented a thousand dangers in the shape of rocks and breakers [...]
1865
I would also recommend suitable Buoys be placed on Cerberus Rock [...] and on the outer Bass Breaker, off Cape Canso.
1904
It was while thus laboriously toiling on in our course that we came in sight of a long line of black, rugged looking rocks, against which the wild surf of the turbulent ocean was dashing furiously. Then, to our astonishment, we beheld crowds of vessels sailing recklessly close to the very edge of those terrible rocks. And ever and anon, many of them were driven down by the current, with frightful speed, directly upon those rugged breakers, and dashed to pieces, so that the whole line of that black coast was littered with wrecks.
1937
Passing through the sheltered waters of Seal Islands run, we emerged to find the channel an impassable line of breakers. So we had, perforce, to retreat, and did so into a wonderful land-locked little harbor bearing the convivial name of The Punchbowl.
1955
"A look at the map showed a very dangerous breaker off the mouth of St. Mary's Bay. Many ships have been wrecked on that shore. It is called on the map The Keys. [...]"
1971
NOSEWORTHY 177 [Breakers]. Submerged rocks with water breaking over them.
2003
At about half past seven, all hands being on deck, breakers were reported to be ahead. The ship was instantly hauled to the wind. Not being able to clear the danger on that tack, they endeavoured to stay the vessel. Whilst in stay and due to heavy seas, her stem took to the breaker, and she immediately fell broadside on, the sea beating completely over her.

References