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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of breeches

1125–75; Middle English, plural of breech

Example Sentences

The Trunchbull, this mighty female giant, stood there in her green breeches, quivering like a blancmange.

From Literature

The boy gathered his breeches and flung himself out the barn window.

From Literature

Even so, Madame Ionesco stayed in firm possession of his one hand while he dug into the pocket of his breeches with the other.

From Literature

And then, like some giant of doom, the enormous Trunchbull strode into the room in her green breeches and cotton smock.

From Literature

He had stripped off his wet outer clothes and sat in shirt and breeches, barefoot, collar open.

From Literature

Related Words

• hosiery
• sock
• tights
• tube
• tubing