1. straps or harnesses that pass around the hindquarters of a horse or other draft animal to help control backing or support shafts
Usage: equestrian; plural form
2. ropes or chains used on ships to secure cannons and prevent them from rolling backward during firing
Usage: nautical; historical; plural form

Examples

• The carriage horse’s breechings were adjusted to ensure proper weight distribution.
• Without proper breechings, the draft horses couldn’t safely back up the loaded wagon.
• The ship’s gunner checked the cannon’s breechings before battle.
• Historical naval vessels required strong breechings to manage the recoil of heavy artillery.
• The harness maker specialized in crafting durable breechings for working horses.
• Maritime museums often display old cannons with their original breechings intact.