1. The breaking in pieces, or shattering, of a ship or other vessel by being cast ashore or driven against rocks, shoals, etc., by the violence of the winds and waves. 2. A ship wrecked or destroyed upon the water, or the parts of such a ship; wreckage. Dryden. 3. Fig.: Destruction; ruin; irretrievable loss. Holding faith and a good conscience, which some having put away concerning ...