breeches

[brich-iz, bree-chiz]

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.

breeches

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of breeches¹

1125–75; Middle English, plural of breech

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

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

Example Sentences

There were fancy dresses made of silk and velvet and chiffon, men’s breeches and brocade vests, miles of taffeta and endless lengths of ribbon, and countless boxes of tiaras and leather slippers.

Read more on Literature

Even so, Madame Ionesco stayed in firm possession of his one hand while he dug into the pocket of his breeches with the other.

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Early on, and briefly, waiters were unfortunately tricked out in white wigs and satin knee breeches, a la Versailles-on-the-Venice-canals.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He wears a fashionable doublet, breeches, stockings, chunky strapped shoes and a tall felt hat with a buckle in the hatband.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

After she dismounted from her horse, a trainer noticed a split in her riding breeches and observed: "They weren't made for women's backsides."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• hosiery 
• sock 
• tights 
• tube 
• tubing