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Definition of 'breech'

Word Frequency

breech

(briːtʃ )
Word forms: plural breeches (briːtʃɪz )
countable noun
The breech of a gun is the part of the barrel at the back into which you load the bullets.
Synonyms: buttocks, behind [informal], seat, tail [informal]   More Synonyms of breech
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word Frequency

breech in British

noun (briːtʃ )
1. 
the lower dorsal part of the human trunk; buttocks; rump
2. 
the lower part or bottom of something
the breech of the bridge
3. 
the lower portion of a pulley block, esp the part to which the rope or chain is secured
4. 
the part of a firearm behind the barrel or bore
5. obstetrics short for breech delivery
verb (briːtʃ , brɪtʃ ) (transitive)
6. 
to fit (a gun) with a breech
7. archaic
to clothe in breeches or any other clothing
▶ USAGE Breech is sometimes wrongly used as a verb where breach is meant: the barrier/agreement was breached (not breeched)
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word origin of 'breech'
Old English brēc, plural of brōc leg covering; related to Old Norse brōk, Old High German bruoh
Word Frequency

breech in American

(britʃ ; brēch; for 3 brɪtʃ ; brich)
noun
1. 
the buttocks; rump
2. 
the lower or back part of a thing
; specif.,
a. 
the lower end of a pulley block
b. 
the back end of the barrel of a gun
see also breeches
verb transitive
3. 
to clothe with breeches
4. 
to provide (a gun) with a breech
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Word origin of 'breech'
ME brech < OE brec, pl. of broc < IE base *bhreg-: see break

Example sentences containing 'breech'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…
He was dripping wet and clad merely in his shirt and breeches. Iain Gale Man of Honour (2007)That's why they all look so good in frock coats and riding breeches. Times, Sunday Times (2008)The breeches and jackets are being run up in a house in Cheltenham. Times, Sunday Times (2014)He was dressed in boots, breeches and grey uniform shirt. Len Deighton Bomber

Trends of 'breech'

Used Occasionally. breech is one of the 30000 most commonly used words in the Collins dictionary

View usage for:

Nearby words of 'breech'

  • bredie
  • bredren
  • bree
  • breech
  • breech birth
  • breech delivery
  • breech-loader

  • All ENGLISH words that begin with 'B'

Related Terms of 'breech'

  • bear's-breech
  • breech birth
  • breech-loader
  • breech delivery
  • breech-loading

  • View more related words

Source

Definition of breech from the Collins English Dictionary

Would

The modal verb would is commonly used as follows: to make a polite request. Would you mind moving your bag? Would you give me a hand with this ladder, please? to offer something politely. ...
Read more about 'Would'
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Scrabble score for 'breech': 13
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