Main Entry:

breech

Pronunciation:

\ˈbrēch\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, breeches, from Old English brēc, plural of brōc leg covering; akin to Old High German bruoh breeches, Latin braca pants

Date:

before 12th century

1plural \ˈbri-chəz also ˈbrē-\ a: short pants covering the hips and thighs and fitting snugly at the lower edges at or just below the knee b: pants2 a: the hind end of the body : buttocks b: breech presentation ; also : a fetus that is presented breech first3: the part of a firearm at the rear of the barrel