britches

English

Etymology

Alteration of breeches (“trousers, pantaloons”) in use since at least the 18th century in Britain and British colonies.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈbɹɪtʃɪz/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

Noun

1. (chiefly Appalachia, Southern US) Alternative form of breeches (pants, trousers).
   • 2003, Thad Sitton, Harder than hardscrabble: oral recollections of the farming life ..., page 124:

     And Tom Bowles told him, says, "Go up to the store and get you a free pair of britches [on me]." Says, "Them damned old britches you wearing ain't fittin' to wear to town."

Synonyms

• (breeches): knee britches

Derived terms

• breath and britches
• too big for one's britches

Translations

breeches — see breeches

pants — see pants

Anagrams

• bitchers