Showing results for "breeches"

• plural of breech.

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

See Examples For:

breeches

Reynolds shows a flamboyant cavalryman, leaning on his sword, his red coat unbuttoned to show his cream waistcoat and breeches.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 13, 2026

“We were able to borrow lots of absolutely original French Revolution coats and breeches, which we then took patterns from and made copies of. We used that for mass production,” Crossman said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 11, 2023

"Court dress is velvet coat and breeches, with cut steel buttons, a ruffle and a white waistcoat," says Sir Simon.

From BBC ● May 4, 2023

When the play begins, a troupe of actors, costumed in skirts and breeches that gesture toward the Elizabethan, are about to put on a new show, “The London Merchant.”

From New York Times ● Apr. 27, 2023

While Clippinger changed into new breeches and shirt in the little house, we went outside to search for rope; and finding a length, Bono tied Olakunde and me together.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

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