breeching

[ brich-ing, bree-ching ]

noun

1. the part of a harness that passes around the haunches of a horse.
2. a smoke pipe connecting one or more boilers with a chimney.
3. Navy. (formerly) a strong rope fastened to a ship's side for securing a gun or checking its recoil.

breeching

/ ˈbriː-; ˈbrɪtʃɪŋ /

noun

1. the strap of a harness that passes behind a horse's haunches
2. navy (formerly) the rope used to check the recoil run of a ship's guns or to secure them against rough weather
3. the parts comprising the breech of a gun

Word History and Origins

Origin of breeching¹

First recorded in 1505–15; breech + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

We had made shoulder straps, hip straps, breast straps and breeching as the correct idea for a harness.

From Project Gutenberg

In the patent breeching, the screws do not interfere with the touch-hole, and the ignition is quicker in the main chamber.

From Project Gutenberg

There was another halt while the breeching underwent temporary repairs.

From Project Gutenberg

The breeching for this should be very strong and broad, and the belt well stuffed, and stitched like a mattress.

From Project Gutenberg

"They are empty," said Gerald, breeching his own and exposing the cylinder chambers, with the light shining through.

From Project Gutenberg