breechclout (brechklout)

The cloth covering the breech, worn by American Indians and other uncivilized peoples. breeches (brich'ez, formerly and still occasionally brē'chez), n. pl. [ Sc. breeks, breik, etc.): see breech, itself pl.] 1. A bifurcated garment worn by men, covering the body from the waist to the knees, or, in some cases, only to mid-thigh.-2. Le properly, trousers or pantaloons. - Breeches Bible. See Bible. -To wear the breeches, to usurp the authority of the husband: said of a wife. Children rule, old men go to school, women wear the Burton, Anat. of Mel., To the Reader. breeches. IMG:content-2492.png:[blocks in formation] 674 were demanded this plan was abandoned, as the mechani cal appliances of the day did not allow of accurate fitting and quick working of the breech-piece. Since about 1840, however, breech-loading firearms have been made succe Martini Breech-loader. fully, and have gradually come into general use for all purposes. Rapidity of firing, ease of cleaning, and close adjustment of the mi ile to the bore, excluding windage, are the advantages of this form of arm.