breechless

[ breech-lis ]

adjective

1. Ordnance. without a breech. Compare muzzleloader.
2. without breeches or trousers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of breechless¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, breechless is from the Middle English word breklesse. See breech, -less

Example Sentences

The captive of the cold complains, His breechless bones it reaches.

From Project Gutenberg

I, Hodge, breechless Swear to Diccon, rechless, By the cross that I shall kiss, To keep his counsel close, And always me to dispose To work that his pleasure is.

From Project Gutenberg

A little breechless boy passed, carrying a lump of stone.

From Project Gutenberg

Not a single one of the words he chucklingly puts into the lips of Jockey and Sawney as characteristically Scoto-Arcadian, was ever heard or seen by the breechless swains of that pastoral realm.

From Project Gutenberg

The Tories were associated, in the popular mind, with Jacobites and rebels; with Popish mummery and national antipathy; with the fires of Smithfield and the defeat of Prestonpans; with Scotch ascendency and revenge for the blood shed at Carlisle; with breechless Highlanders and Protestant confiscation.

From Project Gutenberg