breech

[bɹiːtʃ]

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A breech is an unusual way for a baby to come out during birth. When a baby's legs are kicked up and feet or bottom are coming out first, it's called a breech.

You might hear about breech babies on TV shows or movies about childbirth, but it's actually not that common in real life. Doctors and hospitals have ways to deal with breeches, so don't worry if you're expecting – most babies will come out the normal way! However, sometimes a doctor may need to help guide the baby's legs through the birth canal, or even perform a special delivery called a C-section.

How common is "breech"?

Word breech is considered rare in modern English.
It appears most frequently in fiction texts and less often in other writings.

Definitions

noun

(now only in the plural) A garment whose purpose is to cover or clothe the buttocks.
The buttocks or backside.
The part of a cannon or other firearm behind the chamber.
The external angle of knee timber, the inside of which is called the throat.
A breech birth.

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verb

To dress in breeches. (especially) To dress a boy in breeches or trousers for the first time.
To beat or spank on the buttocks.
To fit or furnish with a breech.
Example: to breech a gun
To fasten with breeching.
To cover as if with breeches.

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