breech
UK: briːtʃ | US: briːtʃ
n. 1. The lower part of the body behind the waist; buttocks.
n. 2. The hind part of a firearm or cannon barrel.
n. 3. (Historical) A garment covering the loins and thighs; breeches.
The word "breech" traces back to Old English brēc, meaning "buttocks" or "loins," derived from Proto-Germanic brōkiz (related to covering the lower body). Over time, it evolved to refer to garments (breeches) and later specialized to describe the rear part of firearms. The spelling retained the original root while adapting to modern English phonetics.
The doctor carefully supported the baby’s breech during delivery.
The cannon’s breech was damaged in the battle.
In medieval times, men wore breech garments for horseback riding.
The firearm’s breech mechanism requires regular maintenance.
Breech births often require specialized medical attention.