breeching

[ brich-ing, bree-ching ]
/ ˈbrɪtʃ ɪŋ, ˈbri tʃɪŋ /

noun

the part of a harness that passes around the haunches of a horse.
a smoke pipe connecting one or more boilers with a chimney.
Navy. (formerly) a strong rope fastened to a ship's side for securing a gun or checking its recoil.

Origin of breeching

First recorded in 1505–15; breech + -ing1

Definition for breeching (2 of 2)

breech
[ noun breech; verb breech, brich ]
/ noun britʃ; verb britʃ, brɪtʃ /

noun

verb (used with object)

Ordnance. to fit or furnish (a gun) with a breech.
to clothe with breeches.

Origin of breech

before 1000; Middle English breeche, Old English brēc, plural of brōc; cognate with Old Norse brōk, Old High German bruoh

OTHER WORDS FROM breech

un·breeched, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH breech

breach breech (see synonym study at breach)

Example sentences from the Web for breeching

British Dictionary definitions for breeching (1 of 2)

breeching
/ (ˈbrɪtʃɪŋ, ˈbriː-) /

noun

the strap of a harness that passes behind a horse's haunches
navy (formerly) the rope used to check the recoil run of a ship's guns or to secure them against rough weather
the parts comprising the breech of a gun

British Dictionary definitions for breeching (2 of 2)

breech

noun (briːtʃ)

verb (briːtʃ, brɪtʃ) (tr)

to fit (a gun) with a breech
archaic to clothe in breeches or any other clothing
See also breeches

Word Origin for breech

Old English brēc, plural of brōc leg covering; related to Old Norse brōk, Old High German bruoh

usage for breech

Breech is sometimes wrongly used as a verb where breach is meant: the barrier/agreement was breached (not breeched)

Medical definitions for breeching

breech
[ brēch ]

n.

The lower rear portion of the human trunk; the buttocks.