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.

Related Words

• hosiery 
• sock 
• tights 
• tube 
• tubing