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Britches - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Britches are an informal term for trousers or pants, often referring to breeches or short pants worn in the past. The word is commonly used in phrases like too big for one's britches, meaning overly confident.

britches

/ˈbrɪtʃɪz/ /ˈbrɪtʃɪz/

Definition:

Informal term for trousers or breeches, often referring to sturdy or old-fashioned pants.

Synonyms:

pants, trousers, breeches, knickers

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

skirt, dress

Common Collocations:

leather britches, old britches, patched britches

Derivatives:

britched (rare), britching (rare)

Usage Tips:

Use "britches" informally for pants, often with a rustic or humorous tone; avoid in formal contexts.

Common Phrases:

too big for one's britches, fill one's britches, all hat and no britches

Etymology:

Derived from "breeches," an Old English word for leg coverings, later adapted in American slang.

Examples:

  • 1. He wore his old britches to the farm.
  • 2. She laughed when his britches ripped during the hike.
  • 3. Grandpa’s leather britches have lasted decades.
  • 4. Don’t get too big for your britches!

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