breeching

American  

[brich-ing, bree-ching] / ˈbrɪtʃ ɪŋ, ˈbri tʃɪŋ /

noun

1. the part of a harness that passes around the haunches of a horse.

2. a smoke pipe connecting one or more boilers with a chimney.

3. Navy. (formerly) a strong rope fastened to a ship's side for securing a gun or checking its recoil.

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breeching British  

/ ˈbriː-, ˈbrɪtʃɪŋ /

noun

1. the strap of a harness that passes behind a horse's haunches

2. navy (formerly) the rope used to check the recoil run of a ship's guns or to secure them against rough weather

3. the parts comprising the breech of a gun

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Etymology

Origin of breeching

First recorded in 1505–15; breech + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The Preventer, or Inner Breeching, will be found indispensable to avoid accident when running out to leeward in a sea-way.

From Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. 1866. Fourth edition. by United States. Navy Dept. Bureau of Ordnance

But experience shows that in firing it is better to rely habitually on the Breeching, and use the Compressors to assist.

From Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. 1866. Fourth edition. by United States. Navy Dept. Bureau of Ordnance

Thus, in firing to windward at Sea, the Compressors are always to be set, but only so hard as may be required to ease the shock on the Breeching.

From Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. 1866. Fourth edition. by United States. Navy Dept. Bureau of Ordnance

The shackling of the Breeching and the removal of the Bolt are, therefore, deferred until the Gun has been run out in the subsequent proceedings.

From Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. 1866. Fourth edition. by United States. Navy Dept. Bureau of Ordnance

Breeching with shackle-bolts and pins At the gun.

From Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. 1866. Fourth edition. by United States. Navy Dept. Bureau of Ordnance