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

Word Frequency

breech in British

noun (briːtʃ )

the lower dorsal part of the human trunk; buttocks; rump

the lower part or bottom of something

the breech of the bridge

the lower portion of a pulley block, esp the part to which the rope or chain is secured

the part of a firearm behind the barrel or bore

5. obstetrics short for breech delivery

verb (briːtʃ , brɪtʃ ) (transitive)

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)

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

the buttocks; rump

the lower or back part of a thing

; specif.,

the lower end of a pulley block

the back end of the barrel of a gun

Example sentences containing 'breech'

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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

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Nearby words of 'breech'

Related Terms of 'breech'

Source

Definition of breech from the Collins English Dictionary

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