breeches

American  

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

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. Also called knee breeches.  knee-length 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

Explanation

Breeches are an old-fashioned kind of short pants that end at the knee. These days, you're most likely to wear breeches if you ride horses (or if you like to dress up in 18th-century clothes). Riding breeches are designed to make horseback riders comfortable and streamlined. They're snug-fitting and usually meant to be worn with tall riding boots. Fencers wear a similar type of breeches as part of their uniform. From the 16th to the 19th century, breeches were ordinary adult men's clothing, sometimes also called britches.

Example Sentences

“Pre-cise-ly!” was the answer; “and, ‘comme cela,’ she charmed my English gold out of my British breeches’ pocket.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

No, dear public! you will put your hand in your breeches' pocket like a crocodile, as you do now, and say nothing.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine - Volume 55, No. 343, May 1844 by Various

And thereupon he thrust his hand into his breeches' pocket and brought forth the ivory ball.

From Howard Pyle's Book of Pirates by Pyle, Howard

They filled their breeches' pockets to the brim.

From Detailed Minutiae of Soldier life in the Army of Northern Virginia, 1861-1865 by Sheppard, William Ludwell

A minute later Uncle strode on his way with the expected half-crown snug in his breeches' pocket.

From The Soul of Susan Yellam by Vachell, Horace Annesley

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