breeches buoy

noun

breech·​es buoy ˈbrē-chəz- How to pronounce breeches buoy (audio)
 also  ˈbri-
: a canvas seat in the form of breeches hung from a life buoy running on a hawser and used to haul persons from one ship to another or from ship to shore especially in rescue operations

Word History

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breeches buoy was in 1878

Dictionary Entries Near breeches buoy

Cite this Entry

“Breeches buoy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breeches%20buoy. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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