breechn.

Brit.

/briːtʃ/, U.S.

/britʃ/

Forms: Old English bréc, ( bræc), Middle English brych, Middle English brech, Middle English–1500s breche, Middle English–1600s breeche, 1500s breache, briech, bryche, 1500s–1600s breetch, 1600s brich, 1600s– britch, 1800s breach, Middle English– breech.

Etymology: Common Germanic: Old English bréc ( < bróec), plural of *bróc (feminine) = Old Frisian brók, plural brék, (Middle Dutch broec, Dutch broek), Old High German bruoh (Middle High German bruoch, modern German bruch, obsolete in 18th cent., but still in Switzerland plural brüch), Old Norse brók, plural brœkr (Swedish brōk, Danish brōg) < Old Germanic type *brôk-s feminine monosyl. ‘article of clothing for the loins and thighs’. Often stated to be an adoption of Latin brāca (also brăca , bracca ), or its Gaulish original, which was apparently *brācca , (see brogue n.²) clothing for the legs (‘barbara tegmina crurum’ Vergil Æn. xi. 777); but *brôk-s has all the marks of an original Germanic word = Aryan *bhrâg-s. The Celtic brācca is considered by Dr. Whitley Stokes to be phonetically descended from an earlier *brāg-na, a derivative of the same root bhrāg-, and so cognate with the Germanic.

†1. A garment covering the loins and thighs: at first perhaps only a ‘breech-cloth’; later reaching to the knees.

a. in Old English bréc, plural of bróc.

ΚΠ

a1000 Reg. St. Benot 55 (Bosw.) Brec, femoralia.

a1100 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 328 Femoralia, bræc.

b. in Middle English usually brēch, breech as a singular.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for legs > clothing for legs and lower body > [noun] > trousers > types of > breeches

breecha1100

breeka1300

femoralc1450

hosec1460

breecha1500

overstocks1543

strossers1598

strouses1600

breeching1604

brogues1615

trousies1652

small clothes1770

knee-breeches1829

smalls1836

breekums1839

culotte1842

sine qua nons1850

terminations1863

trouserettes1875

strides1889

knee-breech1904

a1100 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 433 Lumbare, gyrdel oððe brec.

?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 307 Sum wummon..wereð þe brech of here. ful wel icnotted.

c1380 Eng. Wycliffite Serm. in Sel. Wks. II. 3 Joon hadde neiþer coote ne breche.

c1400 Mandeville Voiage & Travaile (1839) xxiii. 250 Alle the women weren Breech, as wel as men.

1480 W. Caxton Chron. Eng. cci. 183 The good man..come thyder al naked sauf his breche.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Jer. xiii. 1 Get the a lynnen breche, and gyrde it aboute thy loynes.

1546 J. Heywood Dialogue Prouerbes Eng. Tongue i. ix. sig. Ci^v There is nothyng more vayne,..Than to beg a breeche of a bare arst man.

1642 Iack Puffe 39 in W. C. Hazlitt Remains Early Pop. Poetry Eng. IV. 316 With out-stucke bomm, streight breech, and spit at side.

c. Now always in plural breeches

/ˈbrɪtʃɪz/, or a pair of breeches (perhaps not so used before 15th cent.). Breeches are distinguished from trousers by coming only just below the knee, but dialectally (and humorously) breeches includes trousers.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for legs > clothing for legs and lower body > [noun] > trousers > types of > breeches

breecha1100

breeka1300

femoralc1450

hosec1460

breecha1500

overstocks1543

strossers1598

strouses1600

breeching1604

brogues1615

trousies1652

small clothes1770

knee-breeches1829

smalls1836

breekums1839

culotte1842

sine qua nons1850

terminations1863

trouserettes1875

strides1889

knee-breech1904

c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 8996 Heo..gripen heore cniues. & of mid here breches.

1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Gen. iii. 7 They soweden to gidre leeves of a fige tree, & maden hem brechis.]

a1500 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 629 Bracce, brechys.

1555 W. Waterman tr. J. Boemus Fardle of Facions i. iv. 41 Some make them brieches of the heares of their heades.

1560 Bible (Geneva) Gen. iii. 7 They sewed figge tree leaues together, and made themselues breeches.

1591 E. Spenser Prosopopoia in Complaints 211 His breeches were made after the new cut.

1661 S. Pepys Diary 6 Apr. (1970) II. 66 To put both his legs through one of his Knees of his breeches.

1785 W. Cowper Task i. 10 As yet black breeches were not.

17.. Chestnut Horse Dreamed of his boots, his spurs, his leather breeches, Of leaping five-barred gates, and crossing ditches.

1858 N. Hawthorne Fr. & Ital. Jrnls. II. 179 Their trousers being tucked up till they were strictly breeches.

a. Hence the phrase, said of a wife, to wear the breeches ( breech obsolete): to assume the authority of the husband; to rule, be ‘master’.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > married person > married woman > be or become married woman [verb (intransitive)] > act as a wife > domineer over husband

to wear the breeches1568

to wear the trousers1864

to wear (also put on) the pants1898

1553 T. Wilson Arte of Rhetorique 89 As though the good man of the house weare no breeches or that the Graye Mare were the better horse.]

1568 T. Howell Newe Sonets (1879) 151 He is a cokes: and worthy strokes, whose wife the Breeches beare.

1595 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 3 v. v. 24 That you might still haue kept your Peticote, and nere haue stolne the Breech from Lancaster.

1600 Maydes Metamorphosis iv. sig. F1 This is leape yeare, Women weare breetches, petticoats are deare.

1606 N. Breton Choice, Chance, & Change sig. D1^v She that is master of her husband, must weare the breeches.

1661 J. Glanvill Vanity of Dogmatizing xiv. 135 The Affections wear the breeches: and the Female rules.

1807 Salmagundi 20 Mar. 123 The violent inclination she felt to wear the breeches.

b. too big for one's breeches or britches: see big adj. and adv. Phrases 1.

3. A term of ridicule applied to the Commonwealth coinage, suggested by the arrangement of two shields on the reverse side of the coin.

ΚΠ

1673 Baron Lucas Speech in Ho. Peers 3 All the Parliament money called Breeches, (a fit Stamp for the Coyn of the Rump) is wholly vanished.

a. The part of the body covered by this garment; the buttocks, posteriors, rump, seat. (Instances of this sense before 16th cent. are very doubtful: the Old English passage, so often cited, as well as the Middle English ones, probably belong to 1.)

ΚΠ

c1000 Sax. Leechd. II. 146/3 Nim gate hær smec under þa brec wiþ þær ræge reosan.

c1305 Edmund Conf. 164 in Early Eng. Poems & Lives Saints (1862) 75 He was byneþe his brech igurd faste ynouȝ Wiþ a strong corde.

1480 W. Caxton Descr. Brit. 40 At her brech out and home They hong their money.]

a1592 R. Greene Comicall Hist. Alphonsus (1599) ii. sig. C3 Vnlesse I send some one to scourge thy breech.a1627 J. Hayward Life & Raigne Edward Sixt (1630) 74 A lewd boy turned towards him his naked britch.1682 N. O. tr. N. Boileau-Despréaux Lutrin ii. 147 She dropt backwards upon her breech.1751 T. Smollett Peregrine Pickle II. l. 101 Our hero..dismissed him with a kick on the breech.1821 Ld. Byron Don Juan: Canto V lxviii. 169 Trowsers..such as fit an Asiatic breech.

b. spec. in Obstetrics; also elliptical for breech delivery n. at Compounds 1a, breech position n., breech presentation n. at Compounds 2b.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > source or principle of life > birth > confinement > [noun] > childbirth or delivery > complications of childbirth or pregnancy

amblosis1706

breech case1774

breech1781

still-birth1785

breech presentation1811

footling1829

turning1842

prematurity1847

head-locking1870

breech position1876

headlock1876

breech delivery1882

breech labour1885

miss1897

postmaturity1902

abruptio placentae1905

preemie1927

breech baby1969

prematuration1977

1673 H. Chamberlen tr. F. Mauriceau Accomplisht Midwife ii. xxiv. 201 The Chirurgeon perceiving the Child to come with the Breech foremost, ought to put it back, if he can.

1752 W. Smellie Treat. Midwifery I. iii. iv. 323 When the legs are delivered, let him wrap a cloath round the breech of the child.

1781 A. Hamilton Treat. Midwifery 244 The varieties of the breech are, 1st, The fore parts of the child placed to the pubes of the mother; 2dly, To the sacrum; 3dly, To either side.

1840 T. Castle Blundell's Princ. & Pract. Obstetr. iv. vi. 292 Let then, the natural efforts bring the breech to the outlet of the pelvis, then lay hold of the hips.

1903 J. W. Williams Obstetr. xiii. 262 If interference becomes necessary, the complete breech offers more satisfactory conditions for immediate delivery.

1958 H. Speert Ess. on Eponymy lxv. 567 The ‘assisted breech’ has long been taught as the properly conservative method of managing most breech births.

1962 D. E. Reid Textbk. Obstetr. xx. 532/2 During labor, as the breech descends, the shoulders must also descend.

1963 D. G. W. Clyne Textbk. Gynaecol. & Obstetr. xxviii. 666 Maternal death from an uncomplicated breech is almost unknown nowadays.

c. transferred. The hinder parts of a beast; also of its skin or fleece: cf. breeching n. 4.

ΘΚΠ

the world > animals > animal body > general parts > rump and tail > [noun] > rump

arseeOE

croupc1300

crouponc1400

rumpc1425

rumplec1430

narsea1500

podex1601

poop1611

rump enda1658

breech1710

cushion1710

postabdomen1824

stern1830

bottle1935

dinger1943

ding1957

society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > fleece > [noun] > parts of

breeching1799

breech1805

piece1849

britch1884

neck1928

1710 London Gaz. No. 4780/4 The Hair galled off his Buttocks with a Breech Tye.

1805 J. Luccock Nature & Prop. Wool 193 The breech of the fleece is large and hairy.

1868 Daily News 8 Dec. A steer..like the rejected one..about the ‘breeches’.

1885 F. H. Bowman Struct. Wool Fibre 219 The coarsest part of the fleece..where the wool grows in large locks with long coarse hairs..is called the ‘breach’ or ‘britch’.

1940 Chambers's Techn. Dict. 114/1 Britch or breech, a wool-sorter's term for wool obtained from the thighs and root of the tail, estimated as the lowest quality in a fleece.

1963 Times 6 Feb. (N.Z. Suppl.) p. v/3 Britch wool.

5. technical.

a. Gunnery. ‘The hindermost part of a piece of ordnance’ (Bailey); the part of a cannon behind the bore; the corresponding part in a musket or rifle (cf. breech-loader n.). Also attributive.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > parts and fittings of firearms > [noun] > breech

breech1575

coil1706

breeching1802

breech action1885

1575 G. Gascoigne Weedes in Wks. (1587) 183 The bravest peece for breech and bore that ever yet was bought.

1626 J. Smith Accidence Young Sea-men 32 Her carnooze, or base ring at her britch.

1664 S. Butler Hudibras: Second Pt. ii. i. 20 Cannons shoot the higher pitches, The lower we let down their breeches.

a1745 J. Swift Problem in Wks. (1755) IV. i. 301 At the breech it flashes first.

1840 F. Marryat Olla Podrida I. xvii. 173 Muskets..which load at the breech.

1869 C. Boutell tr. J. P. Lacombe Arms & Armour xi. 218 The breech end of the gun.

1879 Cassell's Techn. Educator (new ed.) III. 308 The gun always travels with its back part, or breech, towards the horse's heads.

b. Occasionally used of the lower or thicker end of various instruments, tools, etc.; e.g. the thick end or ‘tail’ of the bolt of a lock.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > end or extremity > [noun] > lower end

heel?c1450

foot1561

bottom1621

breech1678

talon1869

1678 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. ii. 28 It hath an Hook returning at the other end of it, to fall into the breech of the Bolt.

1793 Sir G. Shuckburgh in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 83 80 A semicircle divided with its nonius, to every 5′, on the breech plate of the telescope.

Categories »

c. Shipbuilding. ‘The outside angle formed by the knee-timber, the inside of which is the throat’ (Smyth Sailor's Word-bk.).

†6. plural. The roe of a cod-fish. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > animals > fish > class Osteichthyes or Teleostomi > superorder Paracanthopterygii > order Gadiformes (cod) > [noun] > family Gadidae > genus Gadus > gadus morhua (common cod) > roe

breeches1688

1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory ii. xiv. 324 The Spawn, or Frye, is the seed of the fish: of some called Eggs; in a Cod-Fish termed the Breeches.

Compounds

C1. General attributive.

breech-belt n.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for body or trunk (and limbs) > [noun] > belt or sash > types of > for specific clothing > breeches

breechgirdlea1300

pauncher1393

breech-beltc1450

paunce1468

c1450 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 734 Hoc lumbare, a brek-belt.

?c1475 Hunt. Hare 206 His breche-belt all to-brast.

breech case n.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > source or principle of life > birth > confinement > [noun] > childbirth or delivery > complications of childbirth or pregnancy

amblosis1706

breech case1774

breech1781

still-birth1785

breech presentation1811

footling1829

turning1842

prematurity1847

head-locking1870

breech position1876

headlock1876

breech delivery1882

breech labour1885

miss1897

postmaturity1902

abruptio placentae1905

preemie1927

breech baby1969

prematuration1977

1774 Smellie's Treat. Midwifery (ed. 5) III. 52 A Breech case, from Dr. Tathwell.

1924 J. S. Fairbairn Gynæcol. with Obstetr. iii. xv. 283 In a doubtful breech case the finger should be passed along the cleft backwards and forwards.

breech-cloth n.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for body or trunk (and limbs) > [noun] > clothing for lower body > clothing for loins or genital area > loin cloth

dhoti1622

lungi1634

veil1634

pagne1698

breech-clout1757

lap1769

maro1769

waist-cloth1810

langoti1816

breech-cloth1841

malo1850

loin-cloth1859

G string1878

loin-rag1929

lap-lap1930

1841 G. Catlin Lett. N. Amer. Indians I. xxix. 232 We found him naked, except his breech-cloth.

breech-clout n.

ΘΚΠ

dhoti1622

lungi1634

veil1634

pagne1698

breech-clout1757

lap1769

maro1769

waist-cloth1810

langoti1816

breech-cloth1841

malo1850

loin-cloth1859

G string1878

loin-rag1929

lap-lap1930

1757 R. Putnam Mem. (1903) 12 Having nothing to cover us from the Natts & Musketoes..but a Shirt and Breech Clout.

1897 Outing 30 246/1 A breech-clout for the men, and a short skirt for the women.

1947 J. Bertram Shadow of War vii. iv. 235 We stripped down to our fundoshi—a kind of Japanese breech-clout.

breech delivery n.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > source or principle of life > birth > confinement > [noun] > childbirth or delivery > complications of childbirth or pregnancy

amblosis1706

breech case1774

breech1781

still-birth1785

breech presentation1811

footling1829

turning1842

prematurity1847

head-locking1870

breech position1876

headlock1876

breech delivery1882

breech labour1885

miss1897

postmaturity1902

abruptio placentae1905

preemie1927

breech baby1969

prematuration1977

1882 W. T. Lusk Sci. & Art Midwifery x. 200 (heading) The configuration of the fœtus in breech deliveries.

1964 J. M. Brudenell Obstetr. xi. 94 Because of the risks to the foetus breech deliveries should only be performed by an experienced obstetrician in hospital.

breech labour n.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > source or principle of life > birth > confinement > [noun] > childbirth or delivery > complications of childbirth or pregnancy

amblosis1706

breech case1774

breech1781

still-birth1785

breech presentation1811

footling1829

turning1842

prematurity1847

head-locking1870

breech position1876

headlock1876

breech delivery1882

breech labour1885

miss1897

postmaturity1902

abruptio placentae1905

preemie1927

breech baby1969

prematuration1977

1885 W. S. Playfair Treat. Sci. & Pract. Midwifery (ed. 3) I. iii. v. 365 After a difficult breech labour is completed the child should be carefully examined.

breech-maker n.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > tailoring or making clothes > making other clothing > [noun] > making trousers > one who

breech-maker?1518

breeches-maker1834

?1518 Cocke Lorelles Bote sig. B.iij^v By her crafte a breche maker.

breech-part n.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > parts and fittings of firearms > [noun] > breech > part of

breech-part1858

breech-piece1862

1858 W. Greener Gunnery in 1858 10 They all appear to have been loaded by removing a breech part, or chamber.

breech-piece n. (of a gun).

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > parts and fittings of firearms > [noun] > breech > part of

breech-part1858

breech-piece1862

1862 F. A. Griffiths Artillerist's Man. (ed. 9) 190 The breech piece is a cylinder..bored, turned, and shrunk upon the end of the barrel.

breech-pocket n.

breech-rope n.

breech-sight n. (of a gun).

breech-tie n.

ΚΠ

1710Breech Tye [see sense 4c].

breeches-maker n.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > tailoring or making clothes > making other clothing > [noun] > making trousers > one who

breech-maker?1518

breeches-maker1834

1834 T. Carlyle Sartor Resartus iii. xi, in Fraser's Mag. Aug. 191/1 A Signpost, whereon stood written that such and such a one was ‘Breeches-Maker to his Majesty’.

breeches-pocket n.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for legs > clothing for legs and lower body > [noun] > trousers > parts of > pocket

foba1652

spung1728

breeches-pocket1783

watch fob1785

fob-pocket1837

hip pocket1865

prat-kick1896

slide1932

1783 W. Cowper Let. 26 Jan. (1981) II. 100 Some held their hands behind them..and others had thrust them into their breeches' pockets.

C2. Special combinations. Also breechgirdle n., breech-loader n.

a. (In sense 5a.)

breech action n. the mechanism at the breech of a gun.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > parts and fittings of firearms > [noun] > breech

breech1575

coil1706

breeching1802

breech action1885

1885 Daily News 13 Apr. 6/3 The breech-action [of the gun] is so simple and well-balanced that it can be worked by a child.

breech-block n. a movable steel block by which the breech end of the barrel in certain firearms is closed.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > parts and fittings of firearms > [noun] > breech > other parts of breech

base1626

bridge pin1686

breech-pin1727

finger-piece1767

tang1805

hut1848

breech-lever1862

breech-screw1862

plunger1866

shoe1866

breech-block1881

breech-plug1881

console1882

crossbar1884

obturator1891

tray1909

1881 W. W. Greener Gun & its Devel. 115 The breech-blocks blew up, in consequence of..imperfect cartridges.

breeches-boiler n. a boiler in which two furnace tubes unite beyond the bridge (Webster 1911).

breeches-flue n. a flue composed of two conduits which unite and discharge into one stack (Funk's Stand. Dict. 1895).

breech-lever n. a lever by which the breech-block of some cannons is screwed in place.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > parts and fittings of firearms > [noun] > breech > other parts of breech

base1626

bridge pin1686

breech-pin1727

finger-piece1767

tang1805

hut1848

breech-lever1862

breech-screw1862

plunger1866

shoe1866

breech-block1881

breech-plug1881

console1882

crossbar1884

obturator1891

tray1909

1862 F. A. Griffiths Artillerist's Man. (ed. 9) 205 Breech Lever, a weighted arm on the end of the breech screw.

breech-pin n. a pin or plug closing the breech end of a gun.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > parts and fittings of firearms > [noun] > breech > other parts of breech

base1626

bridge pin1686

breech-pin1727

finger-piece1767

tang1805

hut1848

breech-lever1862

breech-screw1862

plunger1866

shoe1866

breech-block1881

breech-plug1881

console1882

crossbar1884

obturator1891

tray1909

1727 R. Bradley Chomel's Dictionaire Oeconomique (Dublin ed.) at Fowling piece The Breech-pin..must be somewhat above the Touch-hole.

1885 Harper's Mag. Mar. 632/2 A breech-pin of a gun..was forced into the brain.

breeches-pipe n. (see quot.).

ΚΠ

1888 Lockwood's Dict. Mech. Engin. Breeches Pipe, a bend pipe having two legs or branches.

breech-plug n.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > parts and fittings of firearms > [noun] > breech > other parts of breech

base1626

bridge pin1686

breech-pin1727

finger-piece1767

tang1805

hut1848

breech-lever1862

breech-screw1862

plunger1866

shoe1866

breech-block1881

breech-plug1881

console1882

crossbar1884

obturator1891

tray1909

1881 W. W. Greener Gun & its Devel. 17 The breech-plug was placed in a groove in the wooden frame.

breech-screw n. (see quot.).

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > parts and fittings of firearms > [noun] > breech > other parts of breech

base1626

bridge pin1686

breech-pin1727

finger-piece1767

tang1805

hut1848

breech-lever1862

breech-screw1862

plunger1866

shoe1866

breech-block1881

breech-plug1881

console1882

crossbar1884

obturator1891

tray1909

1862 F. A. Griffiths Artillerist's Man. (ed. 9) 205 Breech-Screw, a cylinder of iron with a screw turned on the outside, working in a female screw in the breech, presses the vent piece into its place when the gun is loaded.

b. (In sense 4b.)

breech baby n. colloquial a fœtus in the womb in a breech presentation.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > source or principle of life > birth > confinement > [noun] > childbirth or delivery > complications of childbirth or pregnancy

amblosis1706

breech case1774

breech1781

still-birth1785

breech presentation1811

footling1829

turning1842

prematurity1847

head-locking1870

breech position1876

headlock1876

breech delivery1882

breech labour1885

miss1897

postmaturity1902

abruptio placentae1905

preemie1927

breech baby1969

prematuration1977

1969 Woman 11 Oct. 15/1 There were two of us booked for Caesarian operations. They had decided on that for me because they thought she was a breech baby.

breech position n. in a breech presentation, any of the four possible orientations of the fœtus relative to the mother's pelvis.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > source or principle of life > birth > confinement > [noun] > childbirth or delivery > complications of childbirth or pregnancy

amblosis1706

breech case1774

breech1781

still-birth1785

breech presentation1811

footling1829

turning1842

prematurity1847

head-locking1870

breech position1876

headlock1876

breech delivery1882

breech labour1885

miss1897

postmaturity1902

abruptio placentae1905

preemie1927

breech baby1969

prematuration1977

1876 W. S. Playfair Treat. Sci. & Pract. Midwifery I. iii. v. 352 The phenomena of delivery in the first and third breech positions.

breech presentation n. a presentation (presentation n. 7a) in which the buttocks are the nearest part of the fœtus to the os uteri.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > source or principle of life > birth > confinement > [noun] > childbirth or delivery > complications of childbirth or pregnancy

amblosis1706

breech case1774

breech1781

still-birth1785

breech presentation1811

footling1829

turning1842

prematurity1847

head-locking1870

breech position1876

headlock1876

breech delivery1882

breech labour1885

miss1897

postmaturity1902

abruptio placentae1905

preemie1927

breech baby1969

prematuration1977

1811 Lond. Pract. Midwifery (ed. 3) x. 190 In breech presentations the parts are gradually and well dilated.

1962 D. E. Reid Textbk. Obstetr. xx. 527/1 In rare instances the diagnosis of breech presentation may be established only by use of the x-ray.

c. (In sense 1c.)

breeches-ball n. a ball of composition for cleaning breeches.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > cleaning of clothes > [noun] > composition for cleaning breeches

breeches-balla1817

a1817 J. Austen Northanger Abbey (1818) II. vii. 117 An expenditure..in..hair-powder, shoe-string and breeches-ball .

Breeches Bible n. a book-collector's name for the Geneva Bible of 1560 on account of the rendering of Genesis iii. 7, though this was already in Wyclif (cf. 1c).

ΘΚΠ

society > faith > aspects of faith > Bible, Scripture > text > edition > [noun] > Geneva

Geneva Bible1566

Breeches Bible1835

1835 Penny Cycl. IV. 374/2 This [the Geneva] edition is often called the ‘Breeches Bible’, on account of a rendering given in Genesis iii. 7.

breeches-buoy n. a life-saving apparatus consisting of a life-buoy with suspended canvass support resembling breeches through which the legs are put.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > safety > rescue or deliverance > [noun] > means of > means of saving life > from ship or drowning

plank1608

cradle1839

plug1841

anchor ball1858

breeches-buoy1880

Lyle gun1880

life gun1910

Schermuly1922

1880 Boy's Own Paper III. 52/1 A life-line, furnished with a ‘breeches-buoy’ (resembling a pair of canvas breeches with the legs cut off) was secured to the wreck.

breeches-figure n. a person who makes a good figure in breeches.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > beauty > [noun] > beautiful thing or person > beautiful person > beautiful woman > other types of beautiful woman

English rose1780

breeches-figure1808

postcard beauty1912

bathing beauty1920

bathing belle1924

1808 J. P. Hurstone Piccadilly Ambulator II. 45 The fascinating Mrs. A—k—ns, formerly the much admired breeches-figure on the stage.

breeches-part n. a part in which men's clothes are worn by an actress.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > drama > part or character > [noun] > types of part or character

underpart1679

persona muta1714

travesty1732

soubrette1753

old man1762

small part?1774

breeches-part1779

character part1811

fat1812

chambermaida1828

fool?1835

raisonneur1845

ingénue1848

villain of the piece1854

stock character1864

feeder1866

satirette1870

character role1871

travesty1887

thinking part1890

walk-on1902

cardboard cutout1906

bit1926

good guy1928

feed1929

bad guy1932

goody1934

walkthrough1935

narrator1941

cameo1950

black hat1959

1779 T. Holcroft Let. 30 Oct. in Memoirs (1816) III. 250 Who on the stage has considerable merit in breeches' parts, coquets, &c.

1865 Dublin Univ. Mag. 65 70/2 We do not profess special admiration of ladies in what are technically..termed ‘breeches parts’.

Draft additions June 2013

breech face n. Firearms the surface of the breech on which the base of the cartridge rests, and against which it recoils upon firing.

ΚΠ

1862 Bell's Life in London 3 Aug. (Suppl.) 1/5 The further extremity [of the breech-piece] resting wedgelike against the breech face in the stock.

1926 Jrnl. Amer. Inst. Criminal Law & Criminol. 17 260 The shell..bears two distinct fingerprints.., one engraved upon its head and primer by the breech face of the firing arm.

2012 N.Y. Times (Nexis) 13 June 1 Lasers engrave a unique microscopic numeric code on the tip of a gun's firing pin and breech face.

Draft additions January 2018

breech birth n.

ΚΠ

1846 Lancet 1 Aug. 149 (heading) Remarks on a difficult breech-birth.

1962 Kenosha (Wisconsin) News 17 Nov. 12 We have a 16-month-old daughter with a nerve injury in the upper right arm due to breech birth.

2016 S. Snow et al. Rapid Midwifery iv. 103 Midwives must respond calmly and appropriately to an unexpected breech birth.

Draft additions January 2018

Of a fetus or its position in the uterus: having the buttocks, legs, or (in a quadruped) hind legs as the part closest to the mouth of the uterus.

ΚΠ

1842 Lancet 26 Nov. 316/2 The children, however, were small, and the second was premature. In the first, the presentation was ‘breech’.

1876 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 30 Sept. 428/2 She was delivered of a full-grown male child, the presentation of which was breech.

1921 Jrnl. Med. Soc. New Jersey 18 87/2 In her 9 previous pregnancies the foetus was breech 7 times and in this instance it was breech also.

1981 J. Halliday & J. Halliday in K. Thear & A. Fraser Compl. Bk. Livestock & Poultry (1988) iv. 91/1 If the presentation is breech (i.e. hind end first), there is no need to turn the kid round in the womb.

2000 Daily Tel. 22 Nov. 22/1 I am 30 weeks pregnant and my baby is breech. The midwife says not to worry and that there's still time for the baby to turn.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1888; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	breech
释义	breechn. Brit. /briːtʃ/, U.S. /britʃ/ Forms: Old English bréc, ( bræc), Middle English brych, Middle English brech, Middle English–1500s breche, Middle English–1600s breeche, 1500s breache, briech, bryche, 1500s–1600s breetch, 1600s brich, 1600s– britch, 1800s breach, Middle English– breech. Etymology: Common Germanic: Old English bréc ( < bróec), plural of bróc (feminine) = Old Frisian brók, plural brék, (Middle Dutch broec, Dutch broek), Old High German bruoh* (Middle High German bruoch, modern German bruch, obsolete in 18th cent., but still in Switzerland plural brüch), Old Norse brók, plural brœkr (Swedish brōk, Danish brōg) < Old Germanic type brôk-s feminine monosyl. ‘article of clothing for the loins and thighs’. Often stated to be an adoption of Latin brāca* (also brăca , bracca ), or its Gaulish original, which was apparently brācca , (see brogue n.²) clothing for the legs (‘barbara tegmina crurum’ Vergil Æn.* xi. 777); but brôk-s has all the marks of an original Germanic word = Aryan bhrâg-s. The Celtic brācca is considered by Dr. Whitley Stokes to be phonetically descended from an earlier brāg-na, a derivative of the same root bhrāg-, and so cognate with the Germanic. †1. A garment covering the loins and thighs: at first perhaps only a ‘breech-cloth’; later reaching to the knees. a. in Old English bréc, plural of bróc. ΚΠ a1000 Reg. St. Benot* 55 (Bosw.) Brec, femoralia. a1100 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 328 Femoralia, bræc. b. in Middle English usually brēch, breech as a singular. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for legs > clothing for legs and lower body > [noun] > trousers > types of > breeches breecha1100 breeka1300 femoralc1450 hosec1460 breecha1500 overstocks1543 strossers1598 strouses1600 breeching1604 brogues1615 trousies1652 small clothes1770 knee-breeches1829 smalls1836 breekums1839 culotte1842 sine qua nons1850 terminations1863 trouserettes1875 strides1889 knee-breech1904 a1100 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 433 Lumbare, gyrdel oððe brec. ?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 307 Sum wummon..wereð þe brech of here. ful wel icnotted. c1380 Eng. Wycliffite Serm. in Sel. Wks. II. 3 Joon hadde neiþer coote ne breche. c1400 Mandeville Voiage & Travaile (1839) xxiii. 250 Alle the women weren Breech, as wel as men. 1480 W. Caxton Chron. Eng. cci. 183 The good man..come thyder al naked sauf his breche. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Jer. xiii. 1 Get the a lynnen breche, and gyrde it aboute thy loynes. 1546 J. Heywood Dialogue Prouerbes Eng. Tongue i. ix. sig. Ci^v There is nothyng more vayne,..Than to beg a breeche of a bare arst man. 1642 Iack Puffe 39 in W. C. Hazlitt Remains Early Pop. Poetry Eng. IV. 316 With out-stucke bomm, streight breech, and spit at side. c. Now always in plural breeches /ˈbrɪtʃɪz/, or a pair of breeches (perhaps not so used before 15th cent.). Breeches are distinguished from trousers by coming only just below the knee, but dialectally (and humorously) breeches includes trousers. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for legs > clothing for legs and lower body > [noun] > trousers > types of > breeches breecha1100 breeka1300 femoralc1450 hosec1460 breecha1500 overstocks1543 strossers1598 strouses1600 breeching1604 brogues1615 trousies1652 small clothes1770 knee-breeches1829 smalls1836 breekums1839 culotte1842 sine qua nons1850 terminations1863 trouserettes1875 strides1889 knee-breech1904 c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 8996 Heo..gripen heore cniues. & of mid here breches. 1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Gen. iii. 7 They soweden to gidre leeves of a fige tree, & maden hem brechis.] a1500 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 629 Bracce, brechys. 1555 W. Waterman tr. J. Boemus Fardle of Facions i. iv. 41 Some make them brieches of the heares of their heades. 1560 Bible (Geneva) Gen. iii. 7 They sewed figge tree leaues together, and made themselues breeches. 1591 E. Spenser Prosopopoia in Complaints 211 His breeches were made after the new cut. 1661 S. Pepys Diary 6 Apr. (1970) II. 66 To put both his legs through one of his Knees of his breeches. 1785 W. Cowper Task i. 10 As yet black breeches were not. 17.. Chestnut Horse Dreamed of his boots, his spurs, his leather breeches, Of leaping five-barred gates, and crossing ditches. 1858 N. Hawthorne Fr. & Ital. Jrnls. II. 179 Their trousers being tucked up till they were strictly breeches. 2. a. Hence the phrase, said of a wife, to wear the breeches ( breech obsolete): to assume the authority of the husband; to rule, be ‘master’. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > married person > married woman > be or become married woman [verb (intransitive)] > act as a wife > domineer over husband to wear the breeches1568 to wear the trousers1864 to wear (also put on) the pants1898 1553 T. Wilson Arte of Rhetorique 89 As though the good man of the house weare no breeches or that the Graye Mare were the better horse.] 1568 T. Howell Newe Sonets (1879) 151 He is a cokes: and worthy strokes, whose wife the Breeches beare. 1595 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 3 v. v. 24 That you might still haue kept your Peticote, and nere haue stolne the Breech from Lancaster. 1600 Maydes Metamorphosis iv. sig. F1 This is leape yeare, Women weare breetches, petticoats are deare. 1606 N. Breton Choice, Chance, & Change sig. D1^v She that is master of her husband, must weare the breeches. 1661 J. Glanvill Vanity of Dogmatizing xiv. 135 The Affections wear the breeches: and the Female rules. 1807 Salmagundi 20 Mar. 123 The violent inclination she felt to wear the breeches. b. too big for one's breeches or britches: see big adj. and adv. Phrases 1. 3. A term of ridicule applied to the Commonwealth coinage, suggested by the arrangement of two shields on the reverse side of the coin. ΚΠ 1673 Baron Lucas Speech in Ho. Peers 3 All the Parliament money called Breeches, (a fit Stamp for the Coyn of the Rump) is wholly vanished. 4. a. The part of the body covered by this garment; the buttocks, posteriors, rump, seat. (Instances of this sense before 16th cent. are very doubtful: the Old English passage, so often cited, as well as the Middle English ones, probably belong to 1.) ΚΠ c1000 Sax. Leechd. II. 146/3 Nim gate hær smec under þa brec wiþ þær ræge reosan. c1305 Edmund Conf. 164 in Early Eng. Poems & Lives Saints (1862) 75 He was byneþe his brech igurd faste ynouȝ Wiþ a strong corde. 1480 W. Caxton Descr. Brit. 40 At her brech out and home They hong their money.] a1592 R. Greene Comicall Hist. Alphonsus (1599) ii. sig. C3 Vnlesse I send some one to scourge thy breech.a1627 J. Hayward Life & Raigne Edward Sixt (1630) 74 A lewd boy turned towards him his naked britch.1682 N. O. tr. N. Boileau-Despréaux Lutrin ii. 147 She dropt backwards upon her breech.1751 T. Smollett Peregrine Pickle II. l. 101 Our hero..dismissed him with a kick on the breech.1821 Ld. Byron Don Juan: Canto V lxviii. 169 Trowsers..such as fit an Asiatic breech. b. spec. in Obstetrics; also elliptical for breech delivery n. at Compounds 1a, breech position n., breech presentation n. at Compounds 2b. ΘΚΠ the world > life > source or principle of life > birth > confinement > [noun] > childbirth or delivery > complications of childbirth or pregnancy amblosis1706 breech case1774 breech1781 still-birth1785 breech presentation1811 footling1829 turning1842 prematurity1847 head-locking1870 breech position1876 headlock1876 breech delivery1882 breech labour1885 miss1897 postmaturity1902 abruptio placentae1905 preemie1927 breech baby1969 prematuration1977 1673 H. Chamberlen tr. F. Mauriceau Accomplisht Midwife ii. xxiv. 201 The Chirurgeon perceiving the Child to come with the Breech foremost, ought to put it back, if he can. 1752 W. Smellie Treat. Midwifery I. iii. iv. 323 When the legs are delivered, let him wrap a cloath round the breech of the child. 1781 A. Hamilton Treat. Midwifery 244 The varieties of the breech are, 1st, The fore parts of the child placed to the pubes of the mother; 2dly, To the sacrum; 3dly, To either side. 1840 T. Castle Blundell's Princ. & Pract. Obstetr. iv. vi. 292 Let then, the natural efforts bring the breech to the outlet of the pelvis, then lay hold of the hips. 1903 J. W. Williams Obstetr. xiii. 262 If interference becomes necessary, the complete breech offers more satisfactory conditions for immediate delivery. 1958 H. Speert Ess. on Eponymy lxv. 567 The ‘assisted breech’ has long been taught as the properly conservative method of managing most breech births. 1962 D. E. Reid Textbk. Obstetr. xx. 532/2 During labor, as the breech descends, the shoulders must also descend. 1963 D. G. W. Clyne Textbk. Gynaecol. & Obstetr. xxviii. 666 Maternal death from an uncomplicated breech is almost unknown nowadays. c. transferred. The hinder parts of a beast; also of its skin or fleece: cf. breeching n. 4. ΘΚΠ the world > animals > animal body > general parts > rump and tail > [noun] > rump arseeOE croupc1300 crouponc1400 rumpc1425 rumplec1430 narsea1500 podex1601 poop1611 rump enda1658 breech1710 cushion1710 postabdomen1824 stern1830 bottle1935 dinger1943 ding1957 society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > fleece > [noun] > parts of breeching1799 breech1805 piece1849 britch1884 neck1928 1710 London Gaz. No. 4780/4 The Hair galled off his Buttocks with a Breech Tye. 1805 J. Luccock Nature & Prop. Wool 193 The breech of the fleece is large and hairy. 1868 Daily News 8 Dec. A steer..like the rejected one..about the ‘breeches’. 1885 F. H. Bowman Struct. Wool Fibre 219 The coarsest part of the fleece..where the wool grows in large locks with long coarse hairs..is called the ‘breach’ or ‘britch’. 1940 Chambers's Techn. Dict. 114/1 Britch or breech, a wool-sorter's term for wool obtained from the thighs and root of the tail, estimated as the lowest quality in a fleece. 1963 Times 6 Feb. (N.Z. Suppl.) p. v/3 Britch wool. 5. technical. a. Gunnery. ‘The hindermost part of a piece of ordnance’ (Bailey); the part of a cannon behind the bore; the corresponding part in a musket or rifle (cf. breech-loader n.). Also attributive. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > parts and fittings of firearms > [noun] > breech breech1575 coil1706 breeching1802 breech action1885 1575 G. Gascoigne Weedes in Wks. (1587) 183 The bravest peece for breech and bore that ever yet was bought. 1626 J. Smith Accidence Young Sea-men 32 Her carnooze, or base ring at her britch. 1664 S. Butler Hudibras: Second Pt. ii. i. 20 Cannons shoot the higher pitches, The lower we let down their breeches. a1745 J. Swift Problem in Wks. (1755) IV. i. 301 At the breech it flashes first. 1840 F. Marryat Olla Podrida I. xvii. 173 Muskets..which load at the breech. 1869 C. Boutell tr. J. P. Lacombe Arms & Armour xi. 218 The breech end of the gun. 1879 Cassell's Techn. Educator (new ed.) III. 308 The gun always travels with its back part, or breech, towards the horse's heads. b. Occasionally used of the lower or thicker end of various instruments, tools, etc.; e.g. the thick end or ‘tail’ of the bolt of a lock. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > end or extremity > [noun] > lower end heel?c1450 foot1561 bottom1621 breech1678 talon1869 1678 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. ii. 28 It hath an Hook returning at the other end of it, to fall into the breech of the Bolt. 1793 Sir G. Shuckburgh in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 83 80 A semicircle divided with its nonius, to every 5′, on the breech plate of the telescope. Categories » c. Shipbuilding. ‘The outside angle formed by the knee-timber, the inside of which is the throat’ (Smyth Sailor's Word-bk.). †6. plural. The roe of a cod-fish. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > animals > fish > class Osteichthyes or Teleostomi > superorder Paracanthopterygii > order Gadiformes (cod) > [noun] > family Gadidae > genus Gadus > gadus morhua (common cod) > roe breeches1688 1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory ii. xiv. 324 The Spawn, or Frye, is the seed of the fish: of some called Eggs; in a Cod-Fish termed the Breeches. Compounds C1. General attributive. a. breech-belt n. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for body or trunk (and limbs) > [noun] > belt or sash > types of > for specific clothing > breeches breechgirdlea1300 pauncher1393 breech-beltc1450 paunce1468 c1450 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 734 Hoc lumbare, a brek-belt. ?c1475 Hunt. Hare 206 His breche-belt all to-brast. breech case n. ΘΚΠ the world > life > source or principle of life > birth > confinement > [noun] > childbirth or delivery > complications of childbirth or pregnancy amblosis1706 breech case1774 breech1781 still-birth1785 breech presentation1811 footling1829 turning1842 prematurity1847 head-locking1870 breech position1876 headlock1876 breech delivery1882 breech labour1885 miss1897 postmaturity1902 abruptio placentae1905 preemie1927 breech baby1969 prematuration1977 1774 Smellie's Treat. Midwifery (ed. 5) III. 52 A Breech case, from Dr. Tathwell. 1924 J. S. Fairbairn Gynæcol. with Obstetr. iii. xv. 283 In a doubtful breech case the finger should be passed along the cleft backwards and forwards. breech-cloth n. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for body or trunk (and limbs) > [noun] > clothing for lower body > clothing for loins or genital area > loin cloth dhoti1622 lungi1634 veil1634 pagne1698 breech-clout1757 lap1769 maro1769 waist-cloth1810 langoti1816 breech-cloth1841 malo1850 loin-cloth1859 G string1878 loin-rag1929 lap-lap1930 1841 G. Catlin Lett. N. Amer. Indians I. xxix. 232 We found him naked, except his breech-cloth. breech-clout n. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for body or trunk (and limbs) > [noun] > clothing for lower body > clothing for loins or genital area > loin cloth dhoti1622 lungi1634 veil1634 pagne1698 breech-clout1757 lap1769 maro1769 waist-cloth1810 langoti1816 breech-cloth1841 malo1850 loin-cloth1859 G string1878 loin-rag1929 lap-lap1930 1757 R. Putnam Mem. (1903) 12 Having nothing to cover us from the Natts & Musketoes..but a Shirt and Breech Clout. 1897 Outing 30 246/1 A breech-clout for the men, and a short skirt for the women. 1947 J. Bertram Shadow of War vii. iv. 235 We stripped down to our fundoshi—a kind of Japanese breech-clout. breech delivery n. ΘΚΠ the world > life > source or principle of life > birth > confinement > [noun] > childbirth or delivery > complications of childbirth or pregnancy amblosis1706 breech case1774 breech1781 still-birth1785 breech presentation1811 footling1829 turning1842 prematurity1847 head-locking1870 breech position1876 headlock1876 breech delivery1882 breech labour1885 miss1897 postmaturity1902 abruptio placentae1905 preemie1927 breech baby1969 prematuration1977 1882 W. T. Lusk Sci. & Art Midwifery x. 200 (heading) The configuration of the fœtus in breech deliveries. 1964 J. M. Brudenell Obstetr. xi. 94 Because of the risks to the foetus breech deliveries should only be performed by an experienced obstetrician in hospital. breech labour n. ΘΚΠ the world > life > source or principle of life > birth > confinement > [noun] > childbirth or delivery > complications of childbirth or pregnancy amblosis1706 breech case1774 breech1781 still-birth1785 breech presentation1811 footling1829 turning1842 prematurity1847 head-locking1870 breech position1876 headlock1876 breech delivery1882 breech labour1885 miss1897 postmaturity1902 abruptio placentae1905 preemie1927 breech baby1969 prematuration1977 1885 W. S. Playfair Treat. Sci. & Pract. Midwifery (ed. 3) I. iii. v. 365 After a difficult breech labour is completed the child should be carefully examined. breech-maker n. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > tailoring or making clothes > making other clothing > [noun] > making trousers > one who breech-maker?1518 breeches-maker1834 ?1518 Cocke Lorelles Bote sig. B.iij^v By her crafte a breche maker. breech-part n. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > parts and fittings of firearms > [noun] > breech > part of breech-part1858 breech-piece1862 1858 W. Greener Gunnery in 1858 10 They all appear to have been loaded by removing a breech part, or chamber. breech-piece n. (of a gun). ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > parts and fittings of firearms > [noun] > breech > part of breech-part1858 breech-piece1862 1862 F. A. Griffiths Artillerist's Man. (ed. 9) 190 The breech piece is a cylinder..bored, turned, and shrunk upon the end of the barrel. breech-pocket n. breech-rope n. breech-sight n. (of a gun). breech-tie n. ΚΠ 1710Breech Tye [see sense 4c]. b. breeches-maker n. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > tailoring or making clothes > making other clothing > [noun] > making trousers > one who breech-maker?1518 breeches-maker1834 1834 T. Carlyle Sartor Resartus iii. xi, in Fraser's Mag. Aug. 191/1 A Signpost, whereon stood written that such and such a one was ‘Breeches-Maker to his Majesty’. breeches-pocket n. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for legs > clothing for legs and lower body > [noun] > trousers > parts of > pocket foba1652 spung1728 breeches-pocket1783 watch fob1785 fob-pocket1837 hip pocket1865 prat-kick1896 slide1932 1783 W. Cowper Let. 26 Jan. (1981) II. 100 Some held their hands behind them..and others had thrust them into their breeches' pockets. C2. Special combinations. Also breechgirdle n., breech-loader n. a. (In sense 5a.) breech action n. the mechanism at the breech of a gun. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > parts and fittings of firearms > [noun] > breech breech1575 coil1706 breeching1802 breech action1885 1885 Daily News 13 Apr. 6/3 The breech-action [of the gun] is so simple and well-balanced that it can be worked by a child. breech-block n. a movable steel block by which the breech end of the barrel in certain firearms is closed. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > parts and fittings of firearms > [noun] > breech > other parts of breech base1626 bridge pin1686 breech-pin1727 finger-piece1767 tang1805 hut1848 breech-lever1862 breech-screw1862 plunger1866 shoe1866 breech-block1881 breech-plug1881 console1882 crossbar1884 obturator1891 tray1909 1881 W. W. Greener Gun & its Devel. 115 The breech-blocks blew up, in consequence of..imperfect cartridges. breeches-boiler n. a boiler in which two furnace tubes unite beyond the bridge (Webster 1911). breeches-flue n. a flue composed of two conduits which unite and discharge into one stack (Funk's Stand. Dict. 1895). breech-lever n. a lever by which the breech-block of some cannons is screwed in place. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > parts and fittings of firearms > [noun] > breech > other parts of breech base1626 bridge pin1686 breech-pin1727 finger-piece1767 tang1805 hut1848 breech-lever1862 breech-screw1862 plunger1866 shoe1866 breech-block1881 breech-plug1881 console1882 crossbar1884 obturator1891 tray1909 1862 F. A. Griffiths Artillerist's Man. (ed. 9) 205 Breech Lever, a weighted arm on the end of the breech screw. breech-pin n. a pin or plug closing the breech end of a gun. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > parts and fittings of firearms > [noun] > breech > other parts of breech base1626 bridge pin1686 breech-pin1727 finger-piece1767 tang1805 hut1848 breech-lever1862 breech-screw1862 plunger1866 shoe1866 breech-block1881 breech-plug1881 console1882 crossbar1884 obturator1891 tray1909 1727 R. Bradley Chomel's Dictionaire Oeconomique (Dublin ed.) at Fowling piece The Breech-pin..must be somewhat above the Touch-hole. 1885 Harper's Mag. Mar. 632/2 A breech-pin of a gun..was forced into the brain. breeches-pipe n. (see quot.). ΚΠ 1888 Lockwood's Dict. Mech. Engin. Breeches Pipe, a bend pipe having two legs or branches. breech-plug n. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > parts and fittings of firearms > [noun] > breech > other parts of breech base1626 bridge pin1686 breech-pin1727 finger-piece1767 tang1805 hut1848 breech-lever1862 breech-screw1862 plunger1866 shoe1866 breech-block1881 breech-plug1881 console1882 crossbar1884 obturator1891 tray1909 1881 W. W. Greener Gun & its Devel. 17 The breech-plug was placed in a groove in the wooden frame. breech-screw n. (see quot.). ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > parts and fittings of firearms > [noun] > breech > other parts of breech base1626 bridge pin1686 breech-pin1727 finger-piece1767 tang1805 hut1848 breech-lever1862 breech-screw1862 plunger1866 shoe1866 breech-block1881 breech-plug1881 console1882 crossbar1884 obturator1891 tray1909 1862 F. A. Griffiths Artillerist's Man. (ed. 9) 205 Breech-Screw, a cylinder of iron with a screw turned on the outside, working in a female screw in the breech, presses the vent piece into its place when the gun is loaded. b. (In sense 4b.) breech baby n. colloquial a fœtus in the womb in a breech presentation. ΘΚΠ the world > life > source or principle of life > birth > confinement > [noun] > childbirth or delivery > complications of childbirth or pregnancy amblosis1706 breech case1774 breech1781 still-birth1785 breech presentation1811 footling1829 turning1842 prematurity1847 head-locking1870 breech position1876 headlock1876 breech delivery1882 breech labour1885 miss1897 postmaturity1902 abruptio placentae1905 preemie1927 breech baby1969 prematuration1977 1969 Woman 11 Oct. 15/1 There were two of us booked for Caesarian operations. They had decided on that for me because they thought she was a breech baby. breech position n. in a breech presentation, any of the four possible orientations of the fœtus relative to the mother's pelvis. ΘΚΠ the world > life > source or principle of life > birth > confinement > [noun] > childbirth or delivery > complications of childbirth or pregnancy amblosis1706 breech case1774 breech1781 still-birth1785 breech presentation1811 footling1829 turning1842 prematurity1847 head-locking1870 breech position1876 headlock1876 breech delivery1882 breech labour1885 miss1897 postmaturity1902 abruptio placentae1905 preemie1927 breech baby1969 prematuration1977 1876 W. S. Playfair Treat. Sci. & Pract. Midwifery I. iii. v. 352 The phenomena of delivery in the first and third breech positions. breech presentation n. a presentation (presentation n. 7a) in which the buttocks are the nearest part of the fœtus to the os uteri. ΘΚΠ the world > life > source or principle of life > birth > confinement > [noun] > childbirth or delivery > complications of childbirth or pregnancy amblosis1706 breech case1774 breech1781 still-birth1785 breech presentation1811 footling1829 turning1842 prematurity1847 head-locking1870 breech position1876 headlock1876 breech delivery1882 breech labour1885 miss1897 postmaturity1902 abruptio placentae1905 preemie1927 breech baby1969 prematuration1977 1811 Lond. Pract. Midwifery (ed. 3) x. 190 In breech presentations the parts are gradually and well dilated. 1962 D. E. Reid Textbk. Obstetr. xx. 527/1 In rare instances the diagnosis of breech presentation may be established only by use of the x-ray. c. (In sense 1c.) breeches-ball n. a ball of composition for cleaning breeches. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > cleaning of clothes > [noun] > composition for cleaning breeches breeches-balla1817 a1817 J. Austen Northanger Abbey (1818) II. vii. 117 An expenditure..in..hair-powder, shoe-string and breeches-ball . View more context for this quotation Breeches Bible n. a book-collector's name for the Geneva Bible of 1560 on account of the rendering of Genesis iii. 7, though this was already in Wyclif (cf. 1c). ΘΚΠ society > faith > aspects of faith > Bible, Scripture > text > edition > [noun] > Geneva Geneva Bible1566 Breeches Bible1835 1835 Penny Cycl. IV. 374/2 This [the Geneva] edition is often called the ‘Breeches Bible’, on account of a rendering given in Genesis iii. 7. breeches-buoy n. a life-saving apparatus consisting of a life-buoy with suspended canvass support resembling breeches through which the legs are put. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > safety > rescue or deliverance > [noun] > means of > means of saving life > from ship or drowning plank1608 cradle1839 plug1841 anchor ball1858 breeches-buoy1880 Lyle gun1880 life gun1910 Schermuly1922 1880 Boy's Own Paper III. 52/1 A life-line, furnished with a ‘breeches-buoy’ (resembling a pair of canvas breeches with the legs cut off) was secured to the wreck. breeches-figure n. a person who makes a good figure in breeches. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > beauty > [noun] > beautiful thing or person > beautiful person > beautiful woman > other types of beautiful woman English rose1780 breeches-figure1808 postcard beauty1912 bathing beauty1920 bathing belle1924 1808 J. P. Hurstone Piccadilly Ambulator II. 45 The fascinating Mrs. A—k—ns, formerly the much admired breeches-figure on the stage. breeches-part n. a part in which men's clothes are worn by an actress. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > drama > part or character > [noun] > types of part or character underpart1679 persona muta1714 travesty1732 soubrette1753 old man1762 small part?1774 breeches-part1779 character part1811 fat1812 chambermaida1828 fool?1835 raisonneur1845 ingénue1848 villain of the piece1854 stock character1864 feeder1866 satirette1870 character role1871 travesty1887 thinking part1890 walk-on1902 cardboard cutout1906 bit1926 good guy1928 feed1929 bad guy1932 goody1934 walkthrough1935 narrator1941 cameo1950 black hat1959 1779 T. Holcroft Let. 30 Oct. in Memoirs (1816) III. 250 Who on the stage has considerable merit in breeches' parts, coquets, &c. 1865 Dublin Univ. Mag. 65 70/2 We do not profess special admiration of ladies in what are technically..termed ‘breeches parts’. Draft additions June 2013 breech face n. Firearms the surface of the breech on which the base of the cartridge rests, and against which it recoils upon firing. ΚΠ 1862 Bell's Life in London 3 Aug. (Suppl.) 1/5 The further extremity [of the breech-piece] resting wedgelike against the breech face in the stock. 1926 Jrnl. Amer. Inst. Criminal Law & Criminol. 17 260 The shell..bears two distinct fingerprints.., one engraved upon its head and primer by the breech face of the firing arm. 2012 N.Y. Times (Nexis) 13 June 1 Lasers engrave a unique microscopic numeric code on the tip of a gun's firing pin and breech face. Draft additions January 2018 breech birth n. ΚΠ 1846 Lancet 1 Aug. 149 (heading) Remarks on a difficult breech-birth. 1962 Kenosha (Wisconsin) News 17 Nov. 12 We have a 16-month-old daughter with a nerve injury in the upper right arm due to breech birth. 2016 S. Snow et al. Rapid Midwifery iv. 103 Midwives must respond calmly and appropriately to an unexpected breech birth. Draft additions January 2018 Of a fetus or its position in the uterus: having the buttocks, legs, or (in a quadruped) hind legs as the part closest to the mouth of the uterus. ΚΠ 1842 Lancet 26 Nov. 316/2 The children, however, were small, and the second was premature. In the first, the presentation was ‘breech’. 1876 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 30 Sept. 428/2 She was delivered of a full-grown male child, the presentation of which was breech. 1921 Jrnl. Med. Soc. New Jersey 18 87/2 In her 9 previous pregnancies the foetus was breech 7 times and in this instance it was breech also. 1981 J. Halliday & J. Halliday in K. Thear & A. Fraser Compl. Bk. Livestock & Poultry (1988) iv. 91/1 If the presentation is breech (i.e. hind end first), there is no need to turn the kid round in the womb. 2000 Daily Tel. 22 Nov. 22/1 I am 30 weeks pregnant and my baby is breech. The midwife says not to worry and that there's still time for the baby to turn. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1888; most recently modified version published online March 2022). breechv. Brit. /briːtʃ/, /brɪtʃ/, U.S. /britʃ/ Forms: Middle English brek-yn, 1500s breche, britch, 1500s– breech. Etymology: < breech n. 1. To cover or clothe with, or as with, breeches; to put (a boy) into breeches. †to breech it (obsolete): to serve as breeches. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (transitive)] > in specific way > with specific garments > trousers breech1468 trouser1867 bloomerize1885 the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for legs > clothing for legs and lower body > [verb (intransitive)] > serve as breeches to breech it1612 1468 Medulla Gram. in Cath. Angl. 42 Bracco, to brekyn. 1509 A. Barclay Brant's Shyp of Folys (Pynson) f. lxix Breche hir with plate and mayle And for all that..She shall desceyue the. 1612 S. Rowlands Knaue of Harts 13 Let vs haue..French Doublet, and the Spanish Hose to breech it. 1850 W. M. Thackeray Pendennis II. xv. 144 Incidents which occurred about the period when the hero was breeched. figurative.a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) ii. iii. 116 Their Daggers Vnmannerly breech'd with gore. View more context for this quotation †2. To whip on the buttocks; to flog. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > authority > punishment > corporal punishment > administer corporal punishment [verb (transitive)] > whip or scourge swingc725 scourc1386 whipc1386 lash1398 bescourgea1400 swaipa1400 flail14.. belash1458 stripec1460 leash1503 flagelle1551 swingea1556 breech1573 lace1599 flagellate1623 slash1631 chawbuck1682 innocentize1708 swepe1710 belace1736 screenge1787 yedder1818 stock-whip1852 rawhide1858 1573 G. Harvey Let.-bk. (1884) 33 The bois must be britch [t] . 1580 C. Hollyband Treasurie French Tong Fesser, to breech boyes, to scourge them. 1639 P. Massinger Unnaturall Combat i. i. sig. B2 Tales out a schoole take heed, you will be britchd else. 1821 W. Scott Kenilworth II. xii. 315 Thou art a prating boy, and should be breeched for thine assurance. 3. Nautical. To secure (a cannon) by a breeching. ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > other nautical operations > [verb (transitive)] > put in proper place or make secure > a cannon by breeching breech1757 1757 Lett. fr. Capt. Gilchrist 26 July (Record Office MS.) By breaching my aftermost guns aft. 1834 F. Marryat Peter Simple I. vi. 63 Now..we'll breech these guns. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1888; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < n.a1000v.1468
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breechn.

Compounds

Draft additions June 2013

Draft additions January 2018

Draft additions January 2018

breechv.