A Brake

1. (military) An ancient engine of war analogous to the crossbow and ballista.
   1. (obsolete) The winch of a crossbow. [14th-19th c.]
2. (chiefly nautical) The handle of a pump.Synonym: swipe
3. A device used to slow or stop the motion of a wheel, or of a vehicle, usually by friction (although other resistive forces, such as electromagnetic fields or aerodynamic drag, can also be used); also, the controls or apparatus used to engage such a mechanism such as the pedal in a car. [from 18th c.]
   1. The act of braking, of using a brake to slow down a machine or vehicle
   2. (engineering) An apparatus for testing the power of a steam engine or other motor by weighing the amount of friction that the motor will overcome; a friction brake.
   3. (figuratively) Something used to retard or stop some action, process etc.
4. A baker's kneading trough.
5. A device used to confine or prevent the motion of an animal.
   1. A frame for confining a refractory horse while the smith is shoeing him.
   2. An enclosure to restrain cattle, horses, etc.
   3. A cart or carriage without a body, used in breaking in horses.^W
   4. A carriage for transporting shooting parties and their equipment.^W
6. That part of a carriage, as of a movable battery, or engine, which enables it to turn.