breeches
Americanplural noun
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trousers extending to the knee or just below, worn for riding, mountaineering, etc
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informal any trousers
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conceited; unduly self-confident
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.
Vocabulary lists containing breeches
Commonly Confused Words, List 1
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Tolkien Reading Day, List 2
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Commonly Confused Words, List 5
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
He wears a fashionable doublet, breeches, stockings, chunky strapped shoes and a tall felt hat with a buckle in the hatband.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 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
"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
Kropp stalks up, with his breeches rolled up and his feet bare.
From "All Quiet on the Western Front: A Novel" by Erich Maria Remarque
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
