Brink \Brink\ (br[i^][ng]k), n. [Dan. brink edge, verge; akin to
   Sw. brink declivity, hill, Icel. brekka; cf. LG. brink a
   grassy hill, W. bryn hill, bryncyn hillock.]
   The edge, margin, or border of a steep place, as of a
   precipice; a bank or edge, as of a river or pit; a verge; a
   border; as, the brink of a chasm. Also Fig. "The brink of
   vice." --Bp. Porteus. "The brink of ruin." --Burke.
   
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         The plashy brink of weedy lake.          --Bryant.
   
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 brinkmanship