BREECH (

See also:

• COMMON

common in

See also:

• EARLY
• EARLY, JUBAL ANDERSON (1816-1894)

early forms to

See also:

• TEUTONIC
• TEUTONIC (GERMANIC) LANGUAGES

Teutonic

See also:

• LANGUAGES

languages)  , a covering for the lower part of the body and legs . The Latin braca or bracca is a Celtic word, probably cognate with the Teutonic . The word in its proper meaning is used in the plural, and, strictly, is confined to a garment reaching to the knees only . The meaning of " the hinder part of the body " is later than, and derived from, its first meaning; this sense appears in the " breech " or hinder part of a gun . The word is also found in " breeches buoy," a sling life-saving apparatus, consisting of a support of canvas breeches . The " Breeches Bible," a name for the Geneva Bible of r56o, is so called because " breeches " is used for the aprons of fig-leaves made by Adam and Eve . On the stage the phrase a " breeches " part is used when a woman plays in male costume . " Breeching " is a strap passed round the breech of a harnessed horse and joined to the shafts to allow a vehicle to be backed .