breeches

American  

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

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.

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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

Example Sentences

His red coat with black trim, red waistcoat with hand-stitched buttonholes and gold regimental buttons, and white breeches “represent the only complete uniform of the Revolutionary war.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

It’s also not the kind of story you tell if you plan to ally yourself with the boy who fouled his breeches.

From New York Times • Apr. 2, 2024

The procession is expected to arrive at the abbey at 10:53, with the King likely to wear military uniform instead of the more traditional breeches and silk stockings worn by kings before him.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2023

Wearing a traditional Cambodian-Thai jacket and breeches in shiny cream-colored silk, he danced and crooned as a crowd of hundreds milled around.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2023

Matilda and Lavender saw the giant in green breeches advancing upon a girl of about ten who had a pair of plaited golden pigtails hanging over her shoulders.

From "Matilda" by Roald Dahl

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