noun
breeches
BREE-chihz
noun
1
Trousers that end at or just below the knee, historically menswear, now mostly seen in riding and formal military dress.
"The jockey wore tall boots and cream breeches."
"Old portraits often show gentlemen in knee-length breeches."
How to Use Breeches
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOld-fashioned or specialist trousers that stop around the knee, still worn for horse riding and some ceremonial uniforms.
When to use it
Sounds dated or formal in everyday speech — most people just say "trousers" or "pants" today.
Common pairings
riding breeches
knee breeches
a pair of breeches
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The jockey wore tall boots and cream _____.
Etymology
From Old English brēċ, "leggings" or "underpants" — the same ancient root as "breech".