\Beach\ (b[=e]ch), n.; pl. {Beaches} (-[e^]z). [Cf. Sw.
backe hill, Dan. bakke, Icel. bakki hill, bank. Cf. {Bank}.]
1. Pebbles, collectively; shingle.

2. The shore of the sea, or of a lake, which is washed by the
   waves; especially, a sandy or pebbly shore; the strand.

{Beach flea} (Zo["o]l.), the common name of many species of
   amphipod Crustacea, of the family {Orchestid[ae]}, living
   on the sea beaches, and leaping like fleas.

{Beach grass} (Bot.), a coarse grass ({Ammophila
   arundinacea}), growing on the sandy shores of lakes and
   seas, which, by its interlaced running rootstocks, binds
   the sand together, and resists the encroachment of the
   waves.

{Beach wagon}, a light open wagon with two or more seats.

{Raised beach}, an accumulation of water-worn stones, gravel,
   sand, and other shore deposits, above the present level of
   wave action, whether actually raised by elevation of the
   coast, as in Norway, or left by the receding waters, as in
   many lake and river regions.

\Beach\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Beached}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Beaching}.]
To run or drive (as a vessel or a boat) upon a beach; to
strand; as, to beach a ship.