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Webster’s Dictionary (1828)

98,828 entries. Headwords are matched first, then definition text.

92 words match “BREECH”

BREECH n. 9 definitions
Breeches. [Obs.] Shak.
BREECH ACTION n.
The breech mechanism in breech-loading small arms and certain special guns, as automatic and machine guns; --used frequently in referring to the method by which the movable barrels of breech- loading shotguns are locked, unlocked, or rotated to loading position.
BREECH PIN; BREECH SCREW n.
A strong iron or steel plug screwed into the breech of a musket or other firearm, to close the bottom of the bore.
BREECH SIGHT n.
A device attached to the breech of a firearm, to guide the eye, in conjunction with the front sight, in taking aim.
BREECH-LOADING a.
Receiving the charge at the breech instead of at the muzzle.
BREECHBLOCK n.
The movable piece which closes the breech of a breech-loading firearm, and resists the backward force of the discharge. It is withdrawn for the insertion of a cartridge, and closed again before the gun is fired.
BREECHCLOTH n.
A cloth worn around the breech.
BREECHES n. 2 definitions
ment worn by men, covering the hips and thighs; smallclothes. His jacket was red, and his breeches were blue. Coleridge.
BREECHING n. 4 definitions
A whipping on the breech, or the act of whipping on the breech. I view the prince with Aristarchus' eyes, Whose looks were as a breeching to a boy. Marlowe.
BREECHLOADER n.
A firearm which receives its load at the breech. For cavalry, the revolver and breechloader will supersede the saber. Rep. Sec. War (1860).
BEAR'S-BREECH n. 2 definitions
See Acanthus, n., 1.
UNBREECH v. 2 definitions
To remove the breeches of; to divest or strip of breeches. Shak.
ABUTMENT n.
In breech-loading firearms, the block behind the barrel which receives the pressure due to recoil.
ACANTHUS n.
of herbaceous prickly plants, found in the south of Europe, Asia Minor, and India; bear's-breech.
ACTION n.
Effective motion; also, mechanism; as, the breech action of a gun.
BASE n.
am engine; the bed plate. -- Base ring (Ordnance), a projecting band of metal around the breech, connected with the body of the gun by a concave molding. H. L. Scott.
BOLSTER n.
A block of wood on the carriage of a siege gun, upon which the breech of the gun rests when arranged for transportation.
BOMBARD n.
Padded breeches. [Obs.] Bombard phrase, inflated language; bombast. [Obs.] B. Jonson.
BRANKURSINE n.
Bear's-breech, or Acanthus.
BROGUES n.
Breeches. [Obs.] Shenstone.
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