breeches buoy

noun

, Nautical.

1. a rescue device consisting of a life buoy from which is suspended a canvas sling, similar in form to a pair of breeches, in which shipwrecked or disabled persons are hauled from a vessel to the shore or to another vessel by means of a rope and pulley between them.

breeches buoy

noun

1. a ring-shaped life buoy with a support in the form of a pair of short breeches, in which a person is suspended for safe transfer from a ship

Word History and Origins

Origin of breeches buoy¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Out to the wreck, the breeches buoy traveled, and then returned with its freight of a second man.

From Project Gutenberg

Their calmness and skillful handling of the breeches buoy gear inspired the onlookers with renewed hope.

From Project Gutenberg

But several waves washed completely 78 over the breeches buoy and the girl was each time buried from sight.

From Project Gutenberg

They had erected 76 a stout pair of wooden “shears” in the sand and over this the breeches buoy gear ran.

From Project Gutenberg

Supposing I told you that the man left the ship, alive and sound in the breeches-buoy, and got here in this condition.

From Project Gutenberg