breech

[breech, breech, brich]

noun

1. the lower, rear part of the trunk of the body; buttocks.

2. the hinder or lower part of anything.

3. Ordnance.,  the rear part of the bore of a gun, especially the opening and associated mechanism that permits insertion of a projectile.

4. Machinery.,  the end of a block or pulley farthest from the supporting hook or eye.

5. Nautical.,  the outside angle of a knee in the frame of a ship.

verb (used with object)

1. Ordnance.,  to fit or furnish (a gun) with a breech.

2. to clothe with breeches.

breech

noun

1. the lower dorsal part of the human trunk; buttocks; rump

2. the lower part or bottom of something

   the breech of the bridge

3. the lower portion of a pulley block, esp the part to which the rope or chain is secured

4. the part of a firearm behind the barrel or bore

5. obstetrics short for breech delivery

verb

1. to fit (a gun) with a breech

2. archaic,  to clothe in breeches or any other clothing

Usage

Breech is sometimes wrongly used as a verb where breach is meant: the barrier/agreement was breached (not breeched )

Other Word Forms

• unbreeched adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of breech¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English breeche, Old English brēc, plural of brōc; cognate with Old Norse brōk, Old High German bruoh

Word History and Origins

Origin of breech¹

Old English brēc , plural of brōc leg covering; related to Old Norse brōk , Old High German bruoh

Example Sentences

She said she was aware of another case where a private scan late in pregnancy did not record the baby was still breech or lying bottom first in the uterus.

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This is known as a breech birth and is rare.

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In a police report reviewed by The Times, the patient described going to a gynecologist in 2020 to have him “flip” a breech baby.

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But the court heard that despite a 31-week scan recording the baby as completely breech, three subsequent midwife examinations recorded it as being in a head down, cephalic position.

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A mother has been reunited with the medics dispatched to her home when she started to deliver her breech baby.

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Related Words

• attire 
• bundle up 
• cloak 
• disguise 
• do up 
• drape 
• dress 
• dress up 
• equip 
• fit 
• swaddle 
• swathe