breeches : Idioms & Phrases
Breeches buoy
-
noun a life buoy in the form of a ring with short breeches for support; used to transfer people from a ship
WordNet
- in the life-saving service, a pair of canvas breeches depending from an annular or beltlike life buoy which is usually of cork. This contrivance, inclosing the person to be rescued, is hung by short ropes from a block which runs upon the hawser stretched from the ship to the shore, and is drawn to land by hauling lines.
Webster 1913
Breeches pipe
- a forked pipe forming two branches united at one end.
Webster 1913
Knee breeches
-
noun trousers ending above the knee
knee pants; knickers; knickerbockers; breeches.
WordNet
- breeches coming to the knee, and buckled or fastened there; smallclothes.
Webster 1913
To wear the breeches
- to usurp the authority of the husband; said of a wife. Colloq.
