breast-beating

breast-beat·ing

(brĕst′bē′tĭng)n. A loud, self-conscious demonstration of emotion, especially of remorse.

breast-beating

n public or ostentatious expression of guilt, remorse, or sorrow

breast′-beat`ing



n. a loud, demonstrative, and often exaggerated display of grief, remorse, or the like. [1950–55] breast′-beat`er, n.