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BREECH (common in early forms to Teutonic languages)
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BREECH (common in early forms to Teutonic 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.