1. The part of a horse's harness that passes around its hindquarters, allowing it to push back against the vehicle
   "The breeching helped the horse control the wagon's descent down the steep hill"
    
2. (nautical) a strong rope attached to a ship's gun to limit its recoil when fired
   "The breeching prevented the cannon from rolling back dangerously"
    
3. [archaic] (historical) corporal punishment involving striking the buttocks with a whip or rod
   "Breeching was a common form of discipline in 19th-century schools"

Derived forms: breechings

Encyclopedia: Breeching