breeches

American  

[brich-iz, bree-chiz] / ˈbrɪtʃ ɪz, ˈbri tʃɪz /

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. Also called knee breeches.  knee-length trousers, trousers, often having ornamental buckles or elaborate decoration at or near the bottoms, commonly worn by men and boys in the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries.

2. riding breeches.

3. Informal. trousers.

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idioms

1. too big for one's breeches, asserting oneself beyond one's authority or ability.

breeches British  

/ ˈbriː-, ˈbrɪtʃɪz /

plural noun

1. trousers extending to the knee or just below, worn for riding, mountaineering, etc

2. informal any trousers

3. conceited; unduly self-confident

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Etymology

Origin of breeches

1125–75; Middle English, plural of breech

Example Sentences

The Huntington’s signature work of art is a brilliant picture of a life-size, ruddy-cheeked youth costumed in the flashy blue satin tunic, breeches and cloak of an aristocrat of an earlier time.

From Los Angeles Times

Three people were arrested and "a number of fines and warnings were issued in relation to breeches of Covid lockdown rules".

From BBC

But wearing breeches and uncomfortable buckled shoes is work to Mr. Kramer, not play.

From New York Times

He had an athletic look, in breeches and a tunic.

From New York Times

We see him in his shabby clothes, with holes in his breeches and toes poking through broken shoes, carrying his rusting fowling-piece.

From Washington Post

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