/brich"ing, bree"ching/ , n.
1. the part of a harness that passes around the haunches of a horse. See illus. under harness .
2. a smoke pipe connecting one or more boilers with a chimney.
3. Navy. (formerly) a strong rope fastened to a ship's side for securing a gun or checking its recoil.
[ 1505-15; BREECH + -ING 1 ]