breeches part

noun

, Theater.

1. a male role played by an actress.

Word History and Origins

Origin of breeches part¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Hailed as "superfine" by a contemporary theatergoer, and not above playing the daring "breeches part" of a young man on stage, Nancy and her charms lured Washington to the theater five times in one week.

From Time Magazine Archive

On the stage the phrase a “breeches” part is used when a woman plays in male costume.

From Project Gutenberg

I'm going to adopt the knee breeches part of it for good when I go home—golf breeches in the day time and knee breeches at night.

From Project Gutenberg