Breech"block (&?;), n. The movable piece which closes the breech of a breech-loading firearm, and resists the backward force of the discharge. It is withdrawn for the insertion of a cartridge, and closed again before the gun is fired.
Breech"cloth` (&?;), n. A cloth worn around the breech.
Breech"es (&?;), n. pl. [OE. brech, brek, AS. brk, pl. of brc breech, breeches; akin to Icel. brk breeches, ODan. brog, D. broek, G. bruch; cf. L. bracae, braccae, which is of Celtic origin. Cf. Brail.] 1. A garment worn by men, covering the hips and thighs; smallclothes.
His jacket was red, and his breeches were blue.
Coleridge.