breeches n pl also britches, britchet(s), britchin'(s) [phonetics unavailable]. OED breech sb 6 pl 'roe of a cod-fish' obs (1688). Cod-fish roe and the ovarian membrane which contains it.
   P 94-57 Britches: cod roe, so-called from shape. P 148-65 The lady fish wear the britches! 1968 Avalon Penin of Nfld 58 Britchins: cod roes. C 71-100 'Them britches, lights, and sounds are some good,' said Uncle John, 'when fresh caught and fried in scrunchions.' 1975 The Rounder Sep, p. 12 'Britches' consist of the egg sacks of the female cod, and are named for their resemblance to a pair of baggy trousers.

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