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

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

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

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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."

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Black Rod's uniform consists of black shoes, buckles, breeches and a coat, as well as silk stockings.

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In his memoir, “Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics,” Biden acknowledged discovering a polo mallet, riding breeches and other markers of a privileged life in his father’s closet.

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Related Words

• hosiery 
• sock 
• tights 
• tube 
• tubing